KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has brought into operation a round-the-clock hotline to address public health concerns related to cholera-related cases emerging of late in the metropolis.

KMC launched a 24-hour hotline service from Tuesday to facilitate citizens in acquiring information, and minimize public health risks.

KMC Mayor Balen Shah asked metropolis residents to dial 1180 to get health-related information if one faces any problem.

Stating that KMC would not compromise on the issue of public health, Mayor Shah urged city dwellers to drink only boiled water and pay attention to food hygiene.

Similarly, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) said cholera causing bacteria ‘E coli’ was being found in almost all water sources in Kathmandu Valley.

EDCD Chief Dr. Chuman Lal Das said cholera bacteria was found in the water of Bagbazar, Dilli Bazaar and Sanepa, among other water sources tested in different places of the Valley.

He added water samples from other places in Kathmandu have been tested but reports were yet to come.

According to Dr. Das, ‘E coli’ was found in five of the eight samples taken on Sunday. According to the reports, cholera and diarrhea-spreading bacteria were found in all the samples.

He added reports of water samples taken from Naikap, Thankot and Balkhu are yet to arrive.

He said that 15 percent of jar water being sold in Kathmandu Valley was found to be contaminated.

Similarly, contamination is reported in 72 percent of the water samples collected from Budhanilkantha Municipality.

Dr. Das said cholera spread was more likely as E coli bacterial was found in many of the samples tested in the capital.

Cholera has been confirmed in 12 people till Sunday. Eight of them have been treated while four are undergoing treatment.