NEPALGUNJ: The Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City is launching a search and destroy campaign across all 23 wards to reduce the risk of dengue transmission. The health division of the sub-metropolis plans to begin the initiative within the next few days.

Public health officer and focal person for vector-borne diseases, Saroj Rimal, stated that the campaign will target mosquito breeding grounds and larvae in stagnant water, flower pots, air conditioners, and coolers in homes and communities. Rimal emphasized that the campaign will reach every settlement, involving health facility heads, elected representatives, journalists, female health volunteers, and teachers. The initiative will also include awareness programs on dengue and scrub typhus, alongside coordinating treatment and data management for infected patients.

The sub-metropolis is coordinating with Bheri Hospital, Sanjeevani College of Medical Sciences, and private hospitals to manage patient data. Officials aim to conduct the campaign effectively before the peak mosquito activity period, which lasts until November. However, the health division reported a shortage of kits required for larvae testing.

According to Ratna Prasad Sharma, the malaria focal person at the District Public Health Office in Banke, 90 dengue cases have been recorded in Nepalgunj hospitals so far. Of these, 44 patients were treated at Bheri Hospital and 46 at private facilities. Sharma noted that the number of infections is lower compared to last year.

Acting Mayor of Nepalgunj, Samir Pratap Singh, has directed all responsible agencies to work seriously on dengue prevention. The sub-metropolis has urged citizens to ensure that water does not stagnate around their homes and to regularly clean potential mosquito breeding sites such as coolers and flower pots.