Kathmandu: At least 12 people die and 68 are hospitalised as the risk of a cholera epidemic grows
Pollution, contaminated water, collapsing sanitation services and overcrowding are the cause of the disease. Monsoon rains are exacerbating the problem, as “panic and fear” spreads. Experts urge people to boil water rather than rely on government supplies.
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – Pollution, contaminated water, collapsing sanitation services and overcrowding are the source of a cholera epidemic that has struck the Kathmandu Valley and reached the capital of Nepal.
So far at least 12 people have died and another 68 have been admitted to various hospitals for medical treatment.
Since the onset of monsoon, 68 cases of cholera (Vibrio cholerae Ogawa 01) have been reported in the Kathmandu Valley, this according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division of Nepal’s Department of Health Services.
The monsoons are fuelling the epidemic, said Dr Sherbahadur Pun, and spreading “panic and fear” among people. In an appeal to the population, the doctor urges people to go to medical facilities in case of symptoms to receive appropriate treatment.
Ministry sources have reported cases in different parts of the capital and in the neighbouring Lalitpur district.
At least half of the water samples collected in the valley are contaminated by E-coli and other coliform bacteria.
Every day, on average 15 people are hospitalised with dysentery, vomiting, nausea, and headaches, the Sukraraj Trophical and Infectious Disease Hospital reports.
Every week, there are at least 10 new cases of cholera. Since the first case in early July, the disease has spread to more than a dozen places.
Nepal’s Ministry of Health blames contaminated drinking water for the epidemic. "Even the water in bottles and jars is contaminated.”
Kathmandu resident Nani Maharjan confirms that the infection occurred through water. Her husband is in hospital,
"We are concerned because we do not know what to drink,” she said. “The government provided water supplies in warehouses, but from the tests they were contaminated."
Doctors recommend drinking only boiled water and not bottled water provided by the government.
.png)
