Kathmandu, Feb. 24 -- Health officials had anticipated a slowdown in dengue virus spread in winter months but infections remained high even in the cold period, infecting hundreds of people across districts.

Data from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division show that at least 1,323 people were infected with the virus in Poush (December 16 to January 13) and 853 in Magh (January 14 to February 12). Of the total cases, 151 needed hospitalisation and six had severe infections. One person succumbed to the complications arising from the infection in the period.

Officials note that the number of infections in January may be higher, as there have been issues with the health ministry's reporting and recording system.

"Infection of dengue ...