Birgunj intensifies response as cholera spreads at community level

Birgunj: All three levels of government are working together to contain a cholera outbreak that has spread in Birgunj. As of this morning, 223 patients have recovered and returned home, while 199 patients remain hospitalized, some with severe diarrhea and confirmed cholera.

Suspecting contaminated drinking water as the main cause, authorities collected water samples for testing. Out of 10 samples tested at the National Public Health Laboratory in Kathmandu, 8 confirmed cholera, while results for the remaining two are pending.

In response, Birgunj Metropolitan City has closed all schools for three days and urged teachers and staff to run public awareness programs. Sanitation and hygiene campaigns are underway, with doctors advising residents to drink only boiled water, avoid open defecation, and maintain personal hygiene.