Viral infection cases on rise in Solukhumbu

Solukhumbu, March 14: Viral infections have gripped Solukhumbu district. The number of patients suffering from viral fever, common cold and cough, asthma, pneumonia, headache, respiratory problems, and diarrhea has been increasing across different areas of the district since last week.

According to the District Health Office, the number of patients visiting Phaplu Hospital has surged suddenly, creating challenges in the hospital’s service delivery.

More than a dozen patients suffering from viral infections visit Phaplu Hospital for treatment daily. The 15-bed hospital is now treating more than 50 patients, according to the hospital administration.

Officiating Chief of the hospital, Sani Sherpa, said they have been facing challenges in managing human resources to attend to the growing number of patients at the hospital.

Most of the patients admitted to the hospital are suffering from viral infections. “We lack adequate human resources, but the patient inflow is high. We have now been mobilizing all available means and resources,” Sherpa said.

Many of the patients visiting the hospital are in critical condition and require oxygen support.

“All beds in the hospital are occupied. We have been providing treatment even in the maternity room for viral patients. If the number of patients continues to rise, we may have to treat patients on the floor,” said Dr. Ram Babu Joshi, a doctor at the hospital.

RSS