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20 die of diarrhoea within a month
KATHMANDU, MAY 16 -
With continued increase in temperature over the past few weeks and the scarcity of safe drinking water, diarrhoea cases are on the rise in remote districts of the mid- and far-western regions.
Twenty people died while 441 were infected with diarrhoea last month, according to the data compiled by Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) under Department of Health Services.
“Contaminated water consumption and the lack of personal hygiene are the main causes of the disease,” said Dr. D.B. Thakur, director of EDCD. “This year, the number of people suffering from diarrhoea is less than that of last year in the corresponding period.”
Jajarkot and Bajhang in mid- and far-western regions, respectively, have recorded highest number of deaths — four — in the past month. A total of 150 diarrhoea cases were identified in Jajarkot while Baitadi saw 168 cases during the period.
A total of 441 diarrhoea patients have been identified in districts including Jajarkot, Bajura, Dailekh, Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Rukum, Tanahun, Dhading, Achham and Bajhang within the month.
Last year, 371 people died in the regions with 154 in Jajarkot alone.
EDCD has formed Community Rapid Response Teams in 20 vulnerable districts to respond immediately to such an outbreak. The Division has also formed rapid response teams in all 75 districts.
Posted on: 2010-05-17 07:41
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