Birgunj cholera outbreak reaches 42 cases, deaths under review

A cholera outbreak has been confirmed in Birgunj, spreading across multiple wards and raising alarm among health officials.

The first cluster of cases appeared Friday night in Murli Tole of Birgunj Metropolitan City–12, where dozens of residents showed symptoms of severe diarrhea. By Saturday, cholera had been detected in wards 11, 13, and 16 as well, according to Saju Sah, chief of the metropolis health division.

So far, 42 people have tested positive for cholera, while at least 129 patients with diarrhea are undergoing treatment in hospitals across the city. Two deaths have been reported, but authorities have yet to confirm whether cholera was the direct cause.

Hospitals under pressure

Health institutions including Narayani Hospital, Terai Hospital, and Birgunj Healthcare are seeing a sharp rise in diarrhea patients. At Terai Hospital alone, around 30 locals from Murli Tole were admitted after developing symptoms. Lab tests later confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera, in three patients.

Narayani Hospital currently has 33 diarrhea patients, 13 of whom are confirmed cholera cases, while Birgunj Healthcare is treating more than 14 patients.

First major outbreak in a decade

Jaymod Thakur, an official at the District Public Health Office, said this is the first recorded cholera outbreak in Parsa district in the last 10 years. He called the spread of 42 confirmed cases “a sign of an epidemic.”

Cholera spreads through contaminated water or food. Symptoms include continuous diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, muscle cramps, and sometimes fever. Without timely treatment, the disease can be fatal.

Emergency response launched

Birgunj Metropolitan City has begun an emergency campaign to contain the outbreak. Mayor Rajesh Man Singh directed health workers, hospitals, and resources to be mobilized immediately in affected areas.

• 25 health teams have been sent door-to-door in high-risk wards to raise awareness, distribute chlorine, and promote safe water practices.
• Drainage systems and water sources in affected neighborhoods are being treated with disinfectants.
• Ambulances and emergency vehicles are on standby to transport patients quickly.
• A help desk and information center have been set up to guide residents and coordinate care.

Mayor Singh personally visited Narayani Hospital and Birgunj Healthcare on Saturday to monitor patients’ conditions and ensure enough medical staff and supplies are available.

Possible cause and warnings

Authorities suspect the outbreak is linked to contaminated drinking water, as heavy monsoon rains have caused mixing of sewage and water supplies in several neighborhoods.

Water samples from 11 locations have been sent to Kathmandu’s National Public Health Laboratory in Teku for further testing.

Residents have been urged to:

• Drink only boiled or chlorinated water
• Wash vegetables and greens with safe water before cooking
• Avoid stale food and undercooked meat or fish
• Wash hands frequently with soap
• Keep utensils clean and use sanitary toilets

Mayor Singh stressed that cholera is a dangerous infectious disease and warned against negligence: “We are taking every measure to control the outbreak, but public cooperation is essential.”