Community-level cholera outbreak reported in Birgunj

Birgunj: Birgunj is facing a community-level cholera outbreak, with cases rapidly rising since three infections were confirmed in Ward No. 12 on Friday.

By yesterday night, the number had climbed to 36, with cases now detected in Wards no. 3, 11, 12, 13, and 30, according to Jaymod Thakur, Public Health Officer at Parsa Health Office.

Over 200 people, including suspected cholera and diarrhea cases, are receiving treatment at hospitals across Birgunj. Due to a shortage of beds, patients at Narayani Hospital are being treated on the verandah, according to spokesperson Dr. Uday Narayan Singh.

In response, Birgunj Metropolitan City has closed all schools for two days and banned the sale of spicy street foods, including Panipuri, Chaat, and Chatpate. Twenty-five health teams have been mobilized in affected areas, said Mayor Rajesh Man Singh.

The Parsa Health Office, Madhesh Provincial Government, and Federal Government are working jointly to control the outbreak. A mobile water testing team from Kathmandu has been deployed, and water testing and purification efforts are underway in the affected areas.