KATHMANDU: Sudden outbreak of diseases in more than five districts has put Epidemiology and Disease Control Division at the Department of Health Service on high alert. Pranay Kumar Upadhaya, senior public health officer at EDCD, said outbreak of diseases was detected in more than five districts in the last two weeks and as many as 22 people had succumbed to their ailments. He said Jajorkot and Rolpa were the hardest hit. A Rapid Response Team comprising doctors, lab technicians and paramedics was sent to the site. Upadhaya said the EDCD had formed RRT at the district, regional and central levels, adding that medical services and medicines were being distributed free of cost. He said the RRT had also collected samples from the districts for further tests. Upadhaya said seasonal variation, when the body resistance is low, was the major cause of ailments. A number of diseases have also been reported in Kathmandu, especially in the slums. The Department of Health Service is also distributing leaflets and posters to spread awareness about possible epidemic outbreak.