Kathmandu, Sept. 30 -- Around a dozen cases of indigenous malaria infection have been reported since January, this year, which is a serious setback in the country's efforts to achieve its malaria elimination goal.

According to officials at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, they have been verifying reported cases and taking measures to prevent further spillover of the infection.

"Around a dozen cases of indigenous malaria cases have been reported so far," said Dr Gokarna Dahal, chief of the Vector Control Section at the division. "We have been verifying these cases. Alongside them, imported malaria cases have also been reported."

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are carried by infected female Anopheles mosqu...