Nepal confirms first death from new COVID variant, health alert issued

Nepal Reports First COVID-19 Death Linked to Omicron Subvariant After Over Two Years

Kathmandu, June 25 – Nepal has reported its first COVID-19-related death in more than two years, attributed to a subvariant of Omicron, according to local media reports on Wednesday. The fatality underscores growing concerns about the virus's resurgence in the country.

The deceased was a 39-year-old woman who was admitted to the emergency department of Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital in Biratnagar. According to hospital manager Dipesh Rai, she was brought in at 4:20 am and passed away by 6:00 am.

Dr. Chandra Bhal Jha, Director of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), confirmed awareness of the case and said provincial health authorities have been instructed to assess the situation.

In the past 24 hours, eight new COVID-19 cases were detected, with over 25 cases reported in the past week across 25 districts. The total case count since January stands at 180.

Nepal’s health ministry recently confirmed the presence of multiple Omicron subvariants through whole-genome sequencing of 14 samples, all of which tested positive for the subvariants.

Bagmati Province has recorded the highest number of infections at 129, followed by Sudurpaschim with 17, Madhes with 5, and three cases each in Koshi, Gandaki, and Lumbini.

To strengthen its response, the EDCD has trained over 150 healthcare workers in field epidemiology. Dr. Jha stated that these trained personnel are ready to be deployed for surveillance and containment if outbreaks escalate.

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