Expert Team Warns of New Coronavirus Variant Spread in Nepal, Urges Community Engagement for Control
An expert team of virologists and epidemiologists was alarmed to discover a new variant of the coronavirus circulating widely in Nepal during recent surveillance conducted earlier this year.
Not only was the new variant detected in several urban areas, but health workers also found clusters of infected individuals in workplaces, schools, and public transportation hubs.
“We have identified this new coronavirus variant in samples collected from hospitals and community testing centres across major cities,” said Dr. Anita Shrestha, a virologist at the Nepal Health Research Council, Kathmandu. “The virus is spreading through common places like offices, schools, and public vehicles where preventive measures are often overlooked.”
Experts say public behaviour towards COVID-19 prevention has remained largely unchanged over the past year. The key concern is the increasing spread of this new variant across the country, which could lead to higher infection rates if the public does not actively participate in control efforts.
“Controlling coronavirus spread is everyone’s responsibility,” said Dr. Shrestha. “Relying solely on health authorities is not enough. Without the cooperation of individuals and communities to follow safety guidelines, it will be impossible to stop the virus.”
Coronavirus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. The new variant, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has mutations that may increase transmissibility but does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants.
Since January, over 3,200 people across 60 districts have tested positive for COVID-19, with clusters reported mostly in the Terai and Kathmandu Valley. So far, remote mountainous districts such as Dolpa, Humla, and Manang have reported very few cases.
In 2024, Nepal recorded 2,450 COVID-related deaths and over 150,000 infections. The health system faced immense pressure, with hospitals often running at full capacity and shortages of oxygen and antiviral medicines.
Experts warn that official statistics may underestimate the true extent of infection, as many people experience mild or no symptoms and may not seek testing. This silent transmission makes it challenging to trace and isolate cases promptly.
Most infected individuals exhibit mild symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue that can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medicines.
With COVID-19 becoming endemic in Nepal, meaning the virus circulates year-round, health officials no longer classify new cases as sudden outbreaks but rather as a continuing public health concern.
Virologists and public health experts express concern that despite significant infections and fatalities, authorities have not implemented comprehensive long-term strategies to curb virus transmission. They attribute the ongoing spread partly to insufficient public engagement and inconsistent enforcement of health protocols.
Meanwhile, officials at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division have been developing a multi-year, multi-sector action plan to address the growing coronavirus burden.
“We have initiated consultations with key stakeholders including the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Nepali Journalists, educational institutions, and local government health teams,” said Dr. Sanjay Maharjan, chief of the Infectious Disease Section. “Without active community participation and widespread awareness, it is impossible to control the virus.”
The experts urge everyone to maintain preventive measures including wearing masks in crowded places, practicing hand hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation indoors, and getting vaccinated or boosted according to government recommendations.
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