Mystery disease kills seven in two days

Ramechhap, August 1:

An unknown disease has killed seven people in Bhirpani, Khandadevi and Makadum VDCs of Ramechhap district in two days.

Hari Ray of Bhirpani-5 and Khadga Bahadur Khadka of Bhirpani-4 died today, secretary of Bhirpani VDC, Kul Bikram Shrestha, said.

Five patients — Bal Keshar Budhathoki and Ramji Budhathoki of Makadum-8, Kanchha Ram Tamang of Khandadevi and Jeet Bahadur Sunuwar and Kul Bahadur Shrestha of Bhirpani-4 — had died of the disease yesterday.

According to locals, vomiting, dizziness and headache are symptoms of this disease.

Seven persons of Bhirpani-4, who have been suffering from the disease, were taken to the capital for treatment today, secretary Shrestha said.

“Villagers of Bhirpani-1 fear an outbreak of the disease,” a local, Chhabilal Shrestha, said, adding, “As the village has no health post, village youths are taking patients to the capital

for treatment.”

Expressing ignorance about the spread of the disease, Dr Indra Prasad Poudel of the District Public Health Office pledged to send a team of health workers with medicines to the affected area.