Salyan, Oct. 13 -- Kamala KC, 33, from Dalsing in ward 2 of Darma Rural Municipality, has been battling scrub typhus for more than a week. She has been taking medication on her doctor's advice. Although her fever has subsided, she continues to suffer from headaches and dizziness, leaving her unable to work.

Since her husband died young, KC has been supporting her family of three through farming. Now, she has been unable to bring in the crops that have ripened in her fields. With Dashain approaching, she has little time to think about celebrating the festival. Her immediate concern is how to recover from the infection and protect her life.

Bhuma Dangi, 44, from ward 6 of Kumakh Rural Municipality, is in a similar situation. After sufferi...