CHITWAN, Oct 15: The dengue outbreak in Chitwan has worsened, with 2,243 new cases reported across the district.

A total of 6,347 people have been tested for the virus since July, according to the Public Health Office in Chitwan. Among those infected, 1,692 are local residents, while 551 are from outside the district.

Bimal Pattel, the public health officer, reported that Bharatpur Metropolitan City has the highest number of cases in the district, with 730 confirmed infections.

Other municipalities have also seen significant numbers: Madi municipality has recorded 18 cases, Ichchakamana rural municipality has 447, Ratnanagar municipality has 319, Khaireni municipality has 87, Kalika municipality has 48, and Rapti municipality has 43.

At least two individuals have died due to dengue in the district so far. There were 1,831 reported cases of the infection in the district during last Fiscal Year (FY).

Dengue cases are particularly prevalent in August and October, as rainy and sunny weather creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes.

The disease is transmitted through the bite of the female Aedes mosquito, which is most active in the morning and evening, as noted by Dinesh Rupakheti, Chief of the Public Health Office in Chitwan.

This mosquito breeds in stagnant water found in plastic containers, tin cans, drums, buckets, old tires, and other areas where clean water collects.

Symptoms of dengue include severe headaches, body aches, joint and muscle pain, swelling, bleeding, and high fever.

Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding from the nose or gums.