TITLE:
Outbreak Investigation of Dengue in Byas Municipality, Tanahun, Gandaki Province, Nepal
AUTHORS:
Ramesh Shrestha, Amar Dawadi, Gyanu Poudel, Neeru Magar, Suma Kunwar, Uma D.C., Yashoda Poudel, Damaru Prasad Paneru
KEYWORDS:
Dengue, Outbreak, Risk Factors, Vector Control
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Infectious Diseases,
Vol.14 No.4,
November
26,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitos, is a major global health issue. Dengue fever has become a major public health concern in Nepal, with recurring epidemics. This study explores the recent Dengue outbreak in Byas Municipality of Tanahun district aiming to identify significant risk factors and make recommendations for prevention and control. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Byas Municipality of Tanahun district of Nepal. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, clinical, environmental, and behavioral data from 101 confirmed and suspected Dengue cases. The classification of Dengue was done based on World Health Organization (WHO) case definitions. The data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS 25. Approval was obtained from the district-level Health Office, Tanahun, and informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Results: The majority of the cases were aged 15 - 44 years (61.4%), with females (58.4%) accounting for more than the counterpart males. Major symptoms reported include fever (100%), followed by lethargy (64.4%) and headache (60.4%). Key risk factors identified include limitation of daytime use of bed nets, close contact with infected individuals, and inadequate use of mosquito repellents. The epidemic curve showed multiple peaks, indicating a propagated outbreak. Conclusion: The Dengue outbreak in Byas Municipality shows the complex transmission dynamics with multiple peaks which indicate a propagated outbreak. The findings emphasize the need for targeted public health interventions focusing on education, vector control, and demographic-specific measures to mitigate Dengue transmission in the region.