A cholera outbreak has started in Birgunj Metropolitan City. In just two days, 28 people from different wards have tested positive, the District Public Health Office, Parsa, reported. The rising cases have caused concern among locals.
According to Public Health Officer Jaymod Thakur, the infection has started spreading in the community since Friday. “Tests conducted in various hospitals yesterday confirmed 28 cases,” he said.
The highest number of cases have been found in wards 11, 12, 13, 14, and 16. The Public Health Office warned that the outbreak could become more serious. Currently, patients are being treated at Narayani Hospital, Birgunj Health Care, Terai Hospital, National Medical College, and Ali Ortho Center.
Health branch chief Raju Shah said the infection is mainly due to contaminated water and food. He added that health checks have been increased as a precaution.
On Friday evening, ward 12 in Murli saw a sudden increase in diarrhea patients. After detecting cholera cases at Terai Hospital, testing began. Out of 30 people tested there, 3 were confirmed infected. Tests in other hospitals showed more cases. The office is concerned that densely populated areas could soon be severely affected.
In response to the outbreak, safety measures have been increased in the city. The Metropolitan City Office decided to close all schools for two days after meeting with health workers. The Education Administration has issued a notice to keep schools closed on Sunday and Monday. Street food like pani puri, chat, and other snacks will also be banned temporarily. Health workers are advising people to go to nearby health centers if they show cholera symptoms and to drink only boiled water. Awareness programs are being conducted to prevent the spread.
Due to problems with drinking water in the city, all three levels of government arranged deep boring water supply. People started using this water without testing its safety. The sewage and water system in Birgunj is poorly managed, which increases the risk of cholera.
Dr. Abulhais Ansari of Birgunj Health Care said the disease is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. He explained that it spreads through contaminated water and food. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting, and if untreated, blood pressure drops and it can be fatal.
So far, two people have died from diarrhea in Birgunj. Narayani Hospital spokesperson Uday Narayan Singh said one patient died before cholera testing could be done. Another woman died at Birgunj Health Care. Dr. Ansari added that the woman was from Pokhariya Municipality-9 and passed away during treatment. The Public Health Office has not confirmed cholera in these deaths yet, and hospitals have not shared the identities of the deceased.