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Key Points

Nepal has reported its first death from the Omicron variant, marking the first Covid-19 fatality in over two years. A 39-year-old woman succumbed to the virus at Biratnagar's Nobel Medical College. Health officials have confirmed a surge in cases, with 180 infections reported across 25 districts since January. The government is mobilizing trained health workers to monitor the situation and prevent further spread.

Key Points: Nepal Records First Omicron Variant Death Amid Rising Cases

  • Nepal reports first Omicron death in two years
  • Health officials confirm 180 cases since January
  • Biratnagar hospital reports 39-year-old woman's death
  • Field epidemiology training for health workers underway
2 min read

Nepal reports first death of new Covid variant

Nepal confirms its first Omicron variant death as Covid-19 cases surge across the country.

"The woman was brought to our hospital at 4:20 in the morning. The patient died at 6 am. - Dipesh Rai, Hospital Manager"

Kathmandu, June 25

Nepal has reported its first death due to the Omicron sub-variants of Covid-19, as the virus continues to spread in the country, posing a renewed health risk, local media reported on Wednesday.

This is the first Covid death in the South Asian nation in over two years.

The officials at Biratnagar-based Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital on Tuesday confirmed that a 39-year-old woman admitted to the hospital's emergency department had died from the infection.

"The woman was brought to our hospital at 4:20 in the morning. The patient died at 6 am," Nepal's leading daily, The Kathmandu Post, quoted Dipesh Rai, manager of the hospital, as saying.

Nepal's Epidemiology and Disease Control Division officials noted they are informed about the newly reported death.

"Yes, I am aware of the case. We have directed officials concerned to coordinate with provincial health authorities and take stock of the situation," said Dr Chandra Bhal Jha, director of the division.

According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, eight people tested positive in the last 24 hours and over 25 people tested positive for the infection in the last week, bringing the total to 180 people across 25 districts since January.

On Monday, Nepal's health ministry confirmed the outbreak of multiple subvariants of the Covid Omicron variant.

Reports suggest that whole-genome sequencing of the 14 swab samples of Covid-infected persons recently revealed that all were infected with Omicron subvariants.

Last week, health authorities reported a rise in Covid-19 cases across Nepal with Bagmati Province recording the highest number of cases at 129, followed by Sudurpaschim 17, Madhes 5, and Koshi, Gandaki, and Lumbini with three each.

Earlier this month, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division announced that it has provided field epidemiology training to over 150 health workers amid the growing concerns about the spread of the virus.

"We have completed field epidemiology training for the 10th batch of health workers. Each batch consists of over 15 health workers. We will mobilise these trained health workers for coronavirus surveillance if an outbreak occurs in the country," said Dr Chandra Bhal Jha, director of the division.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Very sad to hear about this news. Nepal is our neighbor and we share an open border. Our government should immediately coordinate with Nepali authorities to prevent spread. Health knows no boundaries 🙏
P
Priya M.
This is worrying! Just when we thought COVID was behind us. The death of a young woman is especially tragic. India should offer medical assistance if needed - we have the infrastructure and experience now.
A
Amit S.
We need to be extra careful at border areas. Many Nepalese come to India for work and treatment. Maybe temporary health checks at border crossings? Better safe than sorry!
S
Sunita R.
The report says they've trained health workers - that's good planning. But is India doing enough genomic sequencing? We should increase testing at airports for flights from Nepal. Stay alert, stay safe!
V
Vikram J.
While we should help Nepal, let's not forget our own people first. Many Indians still haven't taken booster doses. Government should focus on vaccination drives in border states like UP and Bihar.
N
Neha T.
Heartbreaking to lose someone so young to COVID again 😢 This shows the virus is still dangerous. Maybe we should restart mask mandates in crowded places? What do others think?
K
Karan P.
SAARC countries should collaborate on pandemic response. We have common challenges and can share resources. India being the largest should take initiative - it's in everyone's interest.

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