Since March began, Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Kathmandu has admitted or referred 16 Covid-19 patients. Most of them are males, aged 65 and above, critically ill, with the majority ending up in the intensive care unit. This surge in cases suggests Nepal is undergoing its initial “post-pandemic Covid wave,” with Covid-like symptoms becoming prevalent in the community.
The source of the severe COVID-19 cases is unclear – whether they are due to an imported virus or the evolving characteristics of the JN.1 sub-variant circulating in Nepal. This requires close monitoring and genomic sequencing.
Nepal’s situation serves as a warning to the world. Even after the pandemic declaration, continued vigilance and research are essential. We need to understand the evolving nature of SARS-CoV-2 and its potential global spread.
