Dengue patients receiving treatment at BPKIHS. Photo: Himal Press
ITAHARI: Dengue fever has been rapidly spreading in Dharan for the past two and a half months. Recent data shows that out of 13,898 individuals tested so far, 9,806 have been confirmed to be infected with dengue. Eleven of these cases have resulted in fatalities, all occurring at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), with ten of the deaths being residents of Dharan.
Umesh Mehta, head of the Health Division of Dharan Metropolitan City, said that 71% of the patients tested have been found to be positive for dengue infection. “This is based on data collected from various sources, including BPKIHS, Bijayapur Hospital, and private clinics. The actual number of cases could be higher, as not all clinics have reported their data, and some individuals might have undergone testing outside these healthcare facilities,” he added.
Free dengue tests are available at several locations, including the old hospital at Chhatachowk, Bijayapur Hospital, Dhara-13 Ward Office, Dharan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Basic Health Post of Dharan-15, and Dharan City Hall. Efforts are being made to provide treatment to infected patients. The provincial health ministry has provided medicine and healthcare personnel to combat the spread of dengue.
This isn’t the first time Dharan has faced a dengue epidemic. A similar outbreak occurred four years ago. Many are viewing this situation as a significant challenge for Mayor Harka Sampang, who was elected as an independent candidate.
Mehta pointed out the apparent lack of coordination between the mayor and other elected representatives from various political parties. “It seems that he isn’t receiving the desired cooperation and coordination from elected representatives of political parties,” he added.
Mayor Sampang is leading Dharan’s efforts against dengue, with Deputy Mayor Aindra Bikram Begha working closely with the Health Division. However, dengue’s spread has not yet been contained. Experts attribute the thriving mosquito population in Dharan to the common practice of storing water due to irregular water supply. “Although people are aware of the importance of covering water and maintaining hygiene, not everyone is effectively implementing these practices,” he said. “If dengue continues to spread at this rate, it will likely persist until at least October.”
He also said plans for special campaigns ahead of the next pre-monsoon season are also being discussed.
Health Ministry finally gets leadership
The provincial health ministry was without a leader until recently as Dharan battled to control dengue. The Uddhab Thapa-led provincial government appointed Nirmala Limbu of the Janata Samajbadi Party as the new health minister on Friday.
Dr. Rabindra Niraula, information officer of the health ministry, stated that Limbu assumed office on Friday and promptly initiated actions to control dengue and conjunctivitis. The ministry aims to collaborate with the private sector to take necessary steps to control the disease province-wide.
“We have also dispatched a team of technicians to Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, which is currently the most affected area in the province. This technical team is diligently working alongside other ongoing control efforts,” he added.
Instances of dengue infection within the same family have emerged in Dharan, affecting as many as nine members. Some patients, who had previously contracted dengue in May and June, are facing reinfections in July. Civil society leaders criticize the perceived lack of seriousness among concerned bodies to prevent the further spread of dengue in Dharan.
“Signs of an impending dengue outbreak were evident two years ago. Despite early signals, the local government appeared unprepared, leading to inadequate public awareness,” Dr. Rajendra Sharma, a civil society leader, said. Although the decision to open dengue clinics in all wards has provided relief to people, Dr. Sharma emphasized that concrete prevention plans are lacking. “Although efforts to control dengue seem active, the local government must take responsibility for the initial oversights that have led to the current situation,” he added.
Dr. Sharma suggested that a substantial workforce, including doctors, nurses, students, and technicians from institutions like BPKIHS, should be mobilized for dengue control efforts. As part of their response, BPKIHS has converted the Covid Hospital into a dedicated dengue treatment center to address the growing cases.
Apart from Dharan, BPKIHS is receiving dengue patients from regions such as Itahari, Barahkshetra, Dhankuta, Jhapa, Morang, and even India. While currently operating with 30 beds, the institution is prepared to expand its capacity to accommodate more patients if necessary.
Call to declare a public health emergency
Given the rapid escalation of dengue cases, a meeting held by the District Disaster Management Committee has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Koshi Province Government to declare a public health emergency in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City. “Since all 12 local units of Sunsari have been affected and Dharan alone has seen 10 fatalities, we have requested the provincial and federal health ministry to declare a public health emergency in Dharan,” she added.
