Kathmandu, June 12
In the past week, five individuals have tested positive for Covid-19 at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (Teku Hospital), according to hospital director Dr Yuvanidhi Basaula.
“Five patients who visited the hospital with symptoms such as fever were confirmed to be infected,” said Dr Basaula. “However, most did not require hospitalisation and were sent home with advice to self-isolate.”
One patient, however, has been admitted to a private cabin for treatment. “He was referred from a private hospital in Kathmandu four days ago,” Dr Basaula told Onlinekhabar. “He is currently being treated and his condition is improving.”
According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), there are currently 16 active Covid-19 cases across the country. EDCD Director Dr Chandra Bhal Jha said the rise in cases in neighboring India has had a minor impact on Nepal.
“A few days ago, some individuals entering Nepal from India tested positive at the border. However, no new cases have been reported in recent days,” he added.
Teku Hospital continues to provide Covid-19 vaccinations through its emergency unit as a preventive measure.
While the virus is no longer causing widespread outbreaks, public health experts warn that Covid-19 still circulates within communities. Over the past five years, more than 12,000 people in Nepal have died due to the virus.
Dr Rajeev Shrestha, head of the Molecular and Genomic Sequencing Research Lab at Dhulikhel Hospital, said Covid-19 is now an established illness and will likely appear sporadically, similar to the flu or cholera.
“Covid-19 is here to stay, like the common cold or measles. We must remain cautious,” he said. “With new variants emerging, vaccination remains crucial to protect against infection and severe outcomes.”
