KATHMANDU, July 30: Cholera has continued spreading in various places across the country since the last two weeks. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), the number of cholera patients has now reached 17 as of Tuesday. Cholera infection was detected in one more person in Dhangadhi on Tuesday.
So far, nine people have been infected in Lalitpur, one in Kathmandu and seven in Dhangadhi. After the outbreak of cholera in different parts of the country, the EDCD is currently conducting an investigation via the District Public Health Office (DPHO) about the situation of water used by the infected people.
1115 hotline service operated for cholera management
The EDCD has operated the hotline number 1115 for immediate response as the outbreak of cholera continues. The EDCD has appealed to the public to call 1115 and inform as soon as possible if a patient with symptoms of cholera arrives in any area or health institution. Dr Mukesh Paudel, head of the EDCD, said that a hotline number has been brought into operation to manage the immediate treatment of cholera patients and to immediately find out and manage the infection that has been spreading in the reported areas.
Dr Paudel said that the EDCD has been disseminating information to all the water bodies and local units to be alert of water and sanitation and is also sending medicines in advance to prevent cholera spreading in those areas.
EDCD appeals public to pay attention to personal hygienic
Since cholera germs can be found in food or water contaminated by feces, the EDCD has appealed to the public to maintain high standards of personal hygiene. The risk of cholera can be significantly reduced if the sources of contamination can be avoided and proper cleanliness is maintained, said the EDCD.
Dr Paudel suggested washing hands with soap and water before eating, after eating, and after going to the toilet. In addition, fruits and salads should be washed with boiled water before consuming them and avoiding rotten foods helps prevent cholera. Maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial for avoiding cholera, Dr Paudel added.