Dengue Outbreak Threatens Pregnant Women in Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal – A recent surge in dengue cases across Nepal is raising alarm bells, particularly among maternal health experts. Pregnant women are facing increased risks due to the virus, leading to complications like premature births, low birth weight, and even potential maternal and newborn deaths.
A pregnant woman in her third trimester was recently rushed to the emergency department of Thapathali-based Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital suffering from high-grade fever. Doctors diagnosed her with dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, and discovered her platelet count was dangerously low.
“We have seen several cases of dengue complications in pregnant women in recent days,” said Dr. Shree Prasad Adhikari, director at the hospital. “The risk of premature birth, low birth weight in newborns, and several other complications increases if pregnant women are infected with the dengue virus.”
Dengue, transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, poses a significant threat, especially to vulnerable populations like pregnant women. These mosquitoes also transmit chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses, according to the World Health Organisation.
Across Nepal, hospitals have reported a dramatic increase in dengue infections. At least nine deaths and over 20,000 infections have been reported nationwide. Experts believe these numbers likely represent a fraction of the actual outbreak scale, as approximately 90% of infected individuals remain asymptomatic.
Maternal health experts are particularly concerned about the rise in dengue infections among pregnant women. Viral infections during pregnancy can lead to severe complications, increasing the risk of maternal and newborn deaths.
“Although we have not yet recorded any maternal and newborn deaths due to dengue infection, we have seen several cases of premature births and low birth weight,” said Dr. Adhikari. “Due to low platelet counts, we have transfused blood to several patients.”
Dr. Sunil Sharma Acharya, a physician at the maternity hospital, Thapathali, explains, “Pregnant women could have a prepartum haemorrhage, which can lead to preterm delivery. Effects on the liver could be exacerbated by dengue. Dengue infection during pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage.”
Experts warn that high-grade fever and medications used to treat fever can induce preterm labor, contractions, and premature birth. Excessive bleeding during delivery or within 24 hours after childbirth, along with potential transmission of infection to newborn babies, further elevates the risk of maternal and newborn deaths.
Nepal has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality rates. From 239 per 100,000 births in 2016, the rate dropped to 151 per 100,000 in 2021. However, the resurgence of dengue threatens to reverse these gains.
“Hundreds of people in the Kathmandu Valley might have been infected with dengue virus in recent days,” said Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of the Clinical Research Unit at the Shukraraj Hospital. “As the post-monsoon period is the peak dengue season, neither the general public nor the authorities have taken the issue seriously, and the rise in infection rate was obvious.”
While there is no specific treatment for dengue, health workers provide symptomatic care, often involving platelet-rich plasma transfusion. Mild to high fever, severe muscle pain, rashes, severe headache, and pain in the eyes are common symptoms.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasizes that early detection and access to proper medical care are crucial for saving lives. Pregnant women experiencing dengue symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
**Protect Yourself and Your Family:**
Take steps to prevent dengue infections: wear protective clothing, eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, and consult a doctor if you experience symptoms.