Search and Destroy Campaign for Dengue Prevention in Kathmandu

Abstract

Dengue, a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has become a significant public health concern in Nepal. Because of the city's rapid development, haphazard settlements, and inadequate sanitation facilities, mosquitoes can reproduce and spread more easily, raising the possibility of dengue transmission. In 2023, Nepal has been witnessing sporadic cases of dengue even during the summer in almost all topographical regions of the country. Climate change, unplanned urbanization, poor solid-waste management, easy transit between dengue-endemic regions, and limited public health resources are common reasons for dengue outbreaks in Nepal. Although dengue prevention was less of a priority in the country until last year. The "Search and Destroy" campaign is a key approach to controlling and preventing the spread of dengue fever. This strategy focuses on identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites to reduce the mosquito population and thereby reduce the transmission of the dengue virus.