Feb 28, Kathmandu - A viral fever has rapidly spread across the western region of Mugu, infecting over 400 residents in Narkhaji Village, with children, women, and the elderly bearing the brunt of the outbreak.

According to local resident Khem Roka, the fever outbreak began on Falgun 7 and has intensified across four settlements in Narkhji. The affected individuals range from young children to senior citizens, with the epidemic causing widespread concern.

The local health facilities are struggling to cope, hampered by shortages of medical staff and medicines. Despite a team of doctors from the Raatapani Primary Health Center visiting the village, the outbreak remains uncontrolled. The team returned on March 12, and currently, only one health worker is actively providing treatment.

Amar Bik, in-charge of the Narkhaji Health Post, reported that more than 20 patients seek treatment daily. "We have informed the municipality, but despite the arrival of medicines, the patient influx has exhausted our supplies," he said. "We only have 10 tablets of Paracetamol left, and with just one health worker handling all patient registrations and testing, timely service delivery is challenging."

Dr. Vikas Dhital from the Raatapani Primary Health Center tested approximately 300 patients in the village. He noted that the fever has affected all age groups and expressed concern over the medicine shortages. "We administered vaccinations to 50 individuals. I myself was affected and had to leave two days ago. Without proper medicine and manpower, the situation could worsen, especially for chronic patients," he warned.

Health officials warn that the fever is not confined to Narkhji alone and could spread to neighboring settlements if not contained promptly.

Meanwhile, despite the health crisis, political candidates are actively campaigning for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for Falgun 21, promising improvements in health and education. However, local resident Gopal Shah criticized the lack of concrete measures to address the shortages of medicines and health personnel.

Dr. Nirmal Nagarkoti, Chief of Mugu District Hospital, assured that medicines could be dispatched if officially requested by the local municipality. He also mentioned that a team has been deployed from Ratapani Primary Health Center, located near the affected area, to assist in controlling the outbreak.