Kathmandu, Oct 16: Dengue is spreading rapidly across Nepal, with 19,599 confirmed cases reported nationwide, according to the latest data from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD). The mosquito-borne disease has claimed nine lives and affected 76 districts.

Kathmandu has the highest number of cases at 3,103, followed by Kaski (2,847), Tanahu (2,107), and Parbat (1,562). Other affected districts include Chitwan (971), Lalitpur (827), Gorkha (588), Baglung (610), Bhaktapur (355), and Syangja (335).

Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, of the Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, said the risk of dengue rises during the post-monsoon period, with cases spiking immediately after Dashain, indicating community-level transmission.

From April 2023 to January 2024, over 52,000 people were infected, with 20 fatalities reported.