Kathmandu, August 31
According to health officials, cholera and diarrhoea patients have been observed in several wards of Birgunj, and these patients have recently been admitted to around 21 hospitals in Parsa district. The first case of cholera was reported in Birgunj on August 22. However, the cause of the outbreak still remains unclear.
Earlier, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, before embarking on a visit to China, had informed the Lower House of Parliament that an investigation was under way to identify the source of the infection. He also apprised the Parliament that cholera patients were being treated free of cost in Narayani Hospital as well as other private hospitals in Parsa district.
Meanwhile, in the most recent episode, leaders visiting Birgunj include Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who visited Narayani Hospital today with Law Minister Ajay Chaurasia, and Drinking Water Minister Pradeep Yadav. Health Minister Pradip Paudel paid a visit a few days ago to better understand the situation.
Nonetheless, Parsa Acting Public Health Officer Binod Jha stated that the number of cholera and diarrhoea patients recuperating and being discharged following hospital treatment was also rising gradually. So far, he said, 851 cholera patients have been admitted to hospitals in Parsa, 760 of whom have recovered and have been discharged. Similarly, 91 people are being treated at various hospitals in Parsa, including Birgunj. "Patients have been receiving free treatment in Narayani Hospital," he told THT. "The cases of cholera and diarrhoea have been reported in 21 hospitals." He reported that 61 new patients were admitted until 7:00pm yesterday.
"While cholera and diarrhoea patients are admitted to hospitals on a daily basis, and some are returning home after treatment, it is not an epidemic at this time, but a high level of vigilance is required," Jha told THT.
He stated that a team of health workers was running an awareness campaign in Birgunj and other local levels throughout Parsa. He also stated that all municipalities had received enough medicines, kits and other medical supplies to ensure their readiness.
Meanwhile, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division and WHO attended a meeting convened by the mayor of Birgunj Metropolitan City to review cholera response activities, according to the EDCD.
The EDCD also reported that data consolidation at the community level was completed, and a digital data collection platform was created to improve real-time reporting, support timely analysis and strengthen surveillance systems. Birgunj Metropolitan City is currently implementing a public health awareness programme.
The first cases of cholera and diarrhoea were reported in Birgunj Metropolitan City-12. Water was collected from the wards and sent to the Madhes Province Testing Laboratory for testing. However, the results were negative. Jha also confirmed that the water had been sent to the Kathmandu laboratory for testing but that no further information could be provided because the report had yet to be received.
However, schools have remained closed since the outbreak to control its spread among children and vulnerable age groups.
