Malaria, Kala-azar, Filaria and Japanese Encephalitis are major vector borne diseases in Nepal. Malaria is prevalent in 65 of 75 districts in Nepal. Mosquito is a vector of Malaria. There are around 400 species of mosquito in the world but Nepal has got only 43 species of mosquitoes. Among them only four species are responsible for malaria is Anopheles minimus, Anopheles fluviatilis, Anopheles maculatus and Anopheles annularis. Anopheles minimus and Anopheles fluviatilis are principal vectors breeding in streams.

Kala-azar is endemic in 12 districts in Nepal. Kala-azar is also called Visceral Leishmaniasis is one of the reemerging diseases. It is a chronic febrile disease caused by intracellular protozoa called Leishmania. It is transmitted by the bite of sandfly that is Argentines. It is severe and fetal if left untreated.

Filariasis is caused by filarial worm called Wucheria Bancrofti. Adult worm resides on lymphatic system and Microfilariae reside on blood. 15 million people are affected by Elephantiasis, 27 million from Hydrocele and 83 million are suffering from Lymphatic functional disability in the world.

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JE) was first described in Japan in 1871. The first case was identified in district in 19 in Nepal. It was supposed to be come to Nepal by birds. Its vector is Culicine mosquito and hosts are bird, pig as well as man is dead end host. Its mortality is 30-60%.

Components of Epidemic preparedness and responses.

1. Epidemics Preparedness assessment can be carried out by analyzing the data of last five years morbidity trend.

2. Establishment of Epidemic control committee.

3. Set priorities

4. Plan of action for epidemic preparedness

5. Implement surveillance

6. Respond rapidly and effectively.

7. Evaluation and Reporting.

Immediate steps of Epidemic control committee

1. Detection

2. Reporting

3. Investigation and confirmation

4. Analysis and interpretation

5. Response

Duty of Epidemic control committee.

• Before Epidemic

1. Set priorities
2. Write epidemic preparedness and response plan
3. Define prevention and control strategy
4. Assign specific responsibilities for surveillance preparedness and response.
5. Identify and mobilize resources

• During epidemic

1. Implement the plan
2. Rapid and coordinated plan
3. Implement prevention and control strategy
4. Identify and mobilize resources

• After Epidemic

1. Prepare written report
2. Communicate public health message
3. Influence public health policy
4. Evaluation of performance.

©2002. Nawaraj Subba, MPH.      Go to top of the Page
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