Surkhet, Dec. 25 -- The influenza outbreak that began a week and a half ago in Bamgaun, ward 12 of Chhayanath Rara Municipality, has spread to Mugum Karmarong and Khatyad rural municipalities in Mugu.

Patients are reporting high fever, cough, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting, leaving many confined to their homes. The rising number of cases has created a shortage of medicine in the remote district.

At the district hospital, nearly 800 patients were treated in a week, with up to 150 visiting daily, said Dr Dipendra Jung Shahi. "Patients are mostly given medicines and sent home, not admitted. Tests have confirmed influenza, and samples are being sent to the provincial lab for further analysis," he added.

Cases have also surged i...