Measles Outbreak Dhorpatan 2026

Measles outbreaks have spread to seven districts in Nepal with over 300 children infected since January; vaccination efforts remain limited due to a shortage of measles vaccines despite receipt of 200,000 doses months after emergency requests.

Nepal's Health Minister Nisha Mehta met with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the 79th World Health Assembly to discuss ongoing health cooperation and support for Nepal's health sector.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasted heavy rainfall with thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds across various parts of Nepal including Sudurpashchim, Karnali, Lumbini provinces, and Terai region, with adverse impacts expected on daily life and transportation.

Wildfires affected about 15 percent of forests in Sudurpashchim Province, especially in the Chure region, damaging wildlife habitats and threatening local livelihoods due to human activities and climate factors like El Niño. Difficult terrain and lack of road access hinder wildfire control efforts.

Sudurpashchim Province reported 387 confirmed malaria cases, including 14 local infections, challenging Nepal's 2030 malaria elimination goal. Authorities cite importation from India and Africa, climate change, and call for enhanced surveillance and vector control.

Measles cases in wards 7, 8, and 9 of Dhorpatan Municipality decreased significantly after a vaccination drive inoculated over 6,140 children and adolescents aged 10 to 19 from Falgun 29 to Chaitra 2. Only one suspected patient was admitted in the last eight days, indicating effective containment.

Fifteen local levels in Nepal, including Kathmandu Metropolitan City, have been placed on alert for a potential dengue surge following over five reported cases last month and rising infections totaling more than 450 in early 2026. Health officials attribute the spread to climate change and warming temperatures extending the mosquito habitat, urging prevention and awareness efforts.

Despite repeated measles outbreaks and low immunisation coverage, mass vaccination campaigns have yet to start in affected areas like Baglung district, risking further escalation. Health experts emphasize the need for urgent political will, adequate vaccine supplies, and awareness programs to control the disease.

UNICEF supplied 2.5 million doses of vitamin A supplements for Nepal's nationwide campaign starting April 19 after the government missed procurement deadlines. The campaign targets 2.3 million children aged six months to five years to prevent deficiency-related diseases.

Nepal's goal to eliminate measles by 2026 is threatened by ongoing outbreaks in Baglung and Sarlahi, low vaccination coverage, and delayed mass vaccination campaigns. Experts warn of severe outbreaks if immunisation and emergency responses are not prioritized.

Nepal observed the 10th Health Insurance Day, highlighting efforts toward universal health coverage by 2030, including increased benefits for senior citizens under the Health Insurance program.

Health Minister Neesha Mehta urged cooperation among sectors to address health challenges including climate change, antibiotic resistance, and zoonotic diseases, emphasizing hygiene and responsible antibiotic use to reduce risks.

The Ministry of Health and Population announced plans to vaccinate all children in Baglung district starting in Baisakh following confirmation of 13 measles cases in Dhorpatan Municipality. The outbreak is linked to an individual arriving from India; active case finding and surveillance are ongoing.

Vaccination efforts in Baglung district are delayed due to a critical shortage of measles vaccines and lack of dedicated funding, risking further spread amid multiple ongoing outbreaks. Health officials call for increased funding and immediate drives to control the disease.

Health authorities identified 104 suspected measles cases in Dhorpatan Municipality, with seven cases confirmed by the National Public Health Laboratory; patients are receiving treatment at local health facilities.

A measles vaccination campaign administered 4,617 doses to children and adolescents in Dhorpatan on the first day, targeting 6,763 individuals; 237 health workers were also vaccinated to prevent further spread.

Measles infections in Baglung district have increased to 83 people, mostly children over 10 years old, with multiple hospitalizations including pneumonia cases. The outbreak has spread across several municipalities, prompting ongoing and expanded government vaccination campaigns.

A 26-bed isolation facility was established at Bobang Health Post and Burtibang Hospital in Dhorpatan to accommodate measles patients; schools remained closed and a special vaccination campaign was planned for 6,763 people from Falgun 29 to Chaitra 1.

Measles infections rose to over 60 children mostly aged 10 to 19 in Dhorpatan, with 14 admitted to hospitals; vaccination efforts to start Friday to control the outbreak suspected to have spread from neighboring areas.

The Health Ministry prepared a vaccination campaign targeting approximately 7,000 children aged 10 to 20 in Dhorpatan Municipality following confirmation of five measles cases in wards 7, 8, and 9.

Dhorpatan Municipality in Baglung district reported 18 children infected with measles, prompting temporary school closures amid concerns over low vaccination coverage and disease elimination goals.