Over 90 confirmed cases; source of infection still unknown
KATHMANDU, AUGUST 27
Birgunj Metropolitan City has extended the closure of all community and institutional schools until August 29 as the city battles a cholera outbreak.
According to Anand Lamichhane, chief of the metropolis education division, the decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Mayor Rajesh Man Singh. Teachers and school staff have been mobilized to raise public awareness in local communities. Schools were earlier closed on Sunday and Monday.
Health authorities confirmed that 93 people have tested positive for cholera since Friday. The outbreak has now spread at the community level, though the primary source of infection is yet to be identified.
Of the confirmed cases, Narayani Hospital and Terai Hospital each reported 32 cases, National Medical College 12, and smaller numbers were treated at Bhawani Hospital, Birgunj Health Care, Mangalam Pathology, and Ali Artho Hospital.
So far, 344 patients with cholera or similar symptoms have sought treatment in city hospitals. Among them, 27 are in ICU, six in HDCU, and 122 in general wards, health officials said.
