Siraha, August 19

Various diseases along with snakebite cases have increased in the flood-hit areas of Siraha.

A minor died of diarrhoea and another died due to snakebite in the district today.

Eighteen-month-old Aarati Safi of Aaurahi Rural Municipality died of diarrhoea today. Safi, who was suffering from diarrhoea since two days, took her last breath on the way to Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health and Sciences. Safi was referred to BPKIHS after treatment was not possible in District Hospital, Siraha.

Chief of District Public Health Office, Siraha, Chuman Lal Das said patients suffering from diarrhoea and common cold, among other diseases, had increased in the flood-affected area of Aaurahi. Das said that 12 patients were admitted to the local primary health centre. Das further informed that teams of health workers had been added at the primary health centre where they were treating patients.

In another case, Bhagawat Yadav, 11, of Sakhuwanrkatti Rural Municipality died after a poisonous snake bit him when he was playing with his friends in the house yard today morning.

Police said the minor took his last breath on the way to a Lahan-based health facility today. It is said snakebite patients had increased because snakes emerged from underground due to floodwaters in Siraha.

According to Das, patients suffering from diarrhoea, common cold and victims of snakebite, among others, have increased in various places of the district. He further said the number of patients had increased in the district hospital and other health facilities in the district. Das added that health workers were treating patients properly as there was no dearth of medicines in the health facilities.

Meanwhile, health workers have advised the flood victims to drink water after boiling it and to consume fresh food.