The number of dengue patients is on the rise in Dharan Sub-metropolis, which has declared two of its wards as crisis-hit zones after the Health Directorate of Province 1 announced a dengue emergency in the city.

As of Saturday afternoon, 281 people have been diagnosed with dengue infection. Most of the patients are from Ward 15 and 8 of the city.

Dr Bikash Sah, assistant director at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), said 281 out of 852 blood samples collected for laboratory report have tested positive of dengue this year.

“Fifteen new patients were admitted at the hospital on Saturday,” said Sah, adding that their test reports would confirm whether the patients have been infected with dengue.

The BPKIHS has been providing free treatment to dengue patients.

Meanwhile, the rapid response team has continued its search and destroy campaign to get rid of mosquito eggs, larvae and pupae in the dengue-affected area. Government authorities, people’s representatives, various social organisations and locals have been mobilised for the drive.

Dr Bijaya Kumar Khanal, the coordinator of the rapid response team, said that efforts are on to deploy intern doctors and MBBS students of BPKIHS in the dengue-affected area.

“We are working to get permission from the BPIHS and the Department of Education for the mobilisation of MBBS students in the campaign. The search and destroy campaign will be more effective with their involvement,” said Dr Khanal.

A health team led by Dr Bhogendra Dotel, chief at the health directorate, had inspected the dengue-affected areas on Thursday before declaring the dengue emergency.