KATHMANDU - Nepal is fighting a surge in dengue cases, a potentially deadly disease once unheard of in the country's high-altitude Himalayan regions, as climate change and urbanisation nurture fever-bringing mosquitoes in new zones.
Only a single case of dengue was recorded in Nepal in 2004. Two decades later, thousands of cases are being reported across the country.
Once confined to tropical regions in the country's plains, dengue-carrying mosquitoes have begun breeding in the valleys and even cool mountainous areas, reaching elevations where its bite was once unknown.
Twelve people have died and more than 28,000 people have been infected in 2024, including 18 cases in Solukhumbu district, home to Mount Everest.
Doctors say the real number might be higher, as not everyone is tested.
"It should not be seen here at all," said Dr Suman Tiwari, district health chief for Solukhumbu, which sits at an altitude of some 2,500m.
"What is surprising is that some people with no travel history have also tested positive for dengue."
In the worst cases, dengue causes intense viral fevers that trigger bleeding, internally or from the mouth and nose.
The capital Kathmandu, at an elevation of approximately 1,400m, has seen more than 4,000 cases.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 02, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 02, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
M2M to reunite for Singapore concert
It has been 22 years since they went away, but Norwegian pop duo M2M are back and coming to Singapore.
Industry sources say the author also wrote BTS memoir
Hybe's document on K-pop industry trends
Paddington Bear's 'high jinks' are back in third movie
LONDON - Paddington is back and he has lost none of his \"charm\" and \"high jinks\", according to English actor Hugh Bonneville, who again guides the trouble-prone bear through the third film in the hit series that saw its premiere on Nov 3.
Quincy Jones left indelible imprints on jazz, pop and hip-hop
LOS ANGELES - Quincy Jones, a major influence on American music in his work with artists ranging from Count Basie to Frank Sinatra and who then reshaped pop music by collaborating with Michael Jackson, died on Nov 3 at the age of 91.
Young Chinese pianist brings wealth of emotion
There are so many young Chinese pianists plying their art these days that it is easy to reduce them to Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, Li Yundi and the rest.
White faces, open mouths
Avant-garde Japanese dance butoh finds foothold in Singapore
Seeking sleep at Hoshinoya Tokyo
TOKYO In December 2023, I check into Hoshinoya Tokyo for a sleep retreat.
Explore the bustling Ginza and Marunouchi districts in Tokyo
Ginza, located near Tokyo Station, is one of the city's busiest high-end shopping districts.
Pastoral and scenic views at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
JEJU - The island bursts with juicy tangerines, and is where women well into their 80s free dive for seafood against a backdrop of dormant volcanoes and tea estates.
Connecting with the city's past at The Murray Hong Kong
Although brand-new hotels pop up all the time, restored heritage buildings-turned-hotels have an allure of their own.