As many as 96 people tested positive for dengue virus in the past one week, which has spread in 76 out of the total 77 districts across the country.

According to the data of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Gandaki province reported the highest number of infections—72 cases in the past week.

So far, six people died and 8,262 others have been infected with the dengue virus since January, which has declined significantly compared to previous years.

In 2024, 15 people died, and 41,865 others were infected as the virus spread to 76 districts. Likewise, in 2023, a total of 88 people died and more than 54,000 were infected. At the time, hospitals in Kathmandu Valley were overwhelmed with dengue patients, and pharmacies had run out of paracetamol, the most widely used medicine to treat fever.

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organisation, the same vector also transmits chikungunya, yellow fever, and the Zika virus.

Experts say reported cases may represent only a small fraction of the true scale of infection, as around 90 percent of the infected people are asymptomatic, and many deaths and infections often go unreported.

Many infected persons show mild symptoms, which do not need any treatment or can be managed with paracetamol at home.

Since dengue became endemic in Nepal years ago, meaning people get infected throughout the year, health officials no longer classify it as an outbreak of a deadly virus.

In a striking reversal of long-held belief that dengue mosquitoes do not survive in cold climates, all mountain districts except Dolpa have reported dengue virus infection this year. Previously it was assumed that people living in high-altitude areas faced little or no risk.

Experts say even though maximum temperatures have declined, they remain above 15 degrees Celsius during daytime, which is warm enough for dengue spreading mosquitoes to live and breed.

Dengue mosquitoes breed in clean water and bite during daytime. Uncovered water tanks and discarded objects such as plastic cups and bottles can serve as breeding grounds.

Symptoms of the disease include mild to high fever, severe muscle pain, rashes, severe headache and pain in the eyes, among others. Doctors advise those with these symptoms to seek immediate treatment. While there is no specific cure for the disease, early detection and access to proper medical care can lower fatalities.