Doctors warn stranded garbage can lead to spreading of Cholera in Valley

By Mahima Devkota, Kathmandu, June 20: With the detection of Cholera cases in various places in and around the Kathmandu Valley, medical doctors have warned that the contamination in drinking water owing to stranded garbage can lead to the spreading of Cholera in the valley.

Two cholera cases were confirmed on Sunday, according to Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH), while three cases, from Sanepa and Sindhupalchowk, suspected of the infection,  have been undergoing treatment at the hospital.

"Rainfall which triggers a smell and sweeps debris in many places of Valley has increased the risk outbreak of waterborne diseases like cholera," said Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital. 

Cholera is a water-borne disease, which is found in contaminated food and water, and intake of that contaminated food and water induces vibrio cholera, a bacteria that causes cholera. Symptoms of cholera include excessive diarrhoea, vomiting, constriction of the stomach, thirst, and weakness in muscles. 

"It is a highly infectious disease that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, which causes dehydration and can lead to death within a few hours if left untreated," Dr Pun added, "Cholera may cause serious infections in one of ten infected people. The death rate can reach up to 50 per cent if left unattended." 

Doctors have suggested paying attention to hygiene and eating habits, and intake of clean food and water is the key to avoiding diarrhoea and cholera. 

Likewise, Dr Sameer Kumar Adhikari, Assistant Spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), said currently, cholera has not gone out of hand, however, cholera deteriorates in a fleet if it lacks attention and attendance, and increasing cases raises concern, therefore, sensitivity and vigilance are needed.

He stressed that not only the government but denizens must be responsible by sticking to quality food and water. Also, timely checkups and hospitalization to minimize further cases.  

The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has started preparations after diarrhoea and cholera were detected in the capital. 

According to Dr Chuman Lal Das, Director of the EDCD, public awareness about cholera will be increased, water quality will be monitored, and incidents of diarrhoea and cholera surveillance will be tightened in hospitals.

He said, “We have emphasized the importance of public awareness to contain cholera and has put emphasis on securing water quality as well. There was surveillance of cholera in hospitals, however, we will strengthen the monitoring. ”