Cholera spread to community-level in Birgunj, 79 infected as of now

Parsa, Aug 25: Cholera, which broke out in Birgunj city, has now spread to the community level. The source of outbreak is yet to be identified.

It has been detected in various wards since Friday. According to Jayamod Thakur, Public Health Officer at the Health Office Parsa, total 79 people were tested positive to cholera in Birgunj so far. As of 8:00 pm on Sunday, the number stood at 71, and eight more cases were identified by Monday morning.

Currently, the infected ones are being treated at various hospitals but the primary source of the infection remains unknown. A representative from the World Health Organization (WHO) has collected water samples from the area for further laboratory testing.

Dr Uday Narayan Singh, spokesperson for Narayani Hospital in Birgunj city, stated that with the rising number of infected patients, there is now a shortage of beds and medical staff to respond to the situation. No substantial institutional support has been provided to the hospital so far in response to the spread.

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In addition, the hospital is overwhelmed not only with cholera patients but also with individuals suffering from other health issues. Cases of snakebites and fever are also on rise. The current workforce is inadequate to handle the growing number of patients, he complained.

Bacterial tests were conducted at various hospitals. Narayani Hospital alone has reported 26 cases, followed by 25 in Terai Hospital, nine in National Medical College, three in Bhawani Hospital, and two each in Birgunj Health

Care, Ali Artho Hospital, and Mangalam Pathology. Details of the recent eight cases are still awaited.