PARSA: A cholera outbreak that was first confirmed on August 21 in Parsa district has continued to spread, with cases rising sharply in recent days.
According to the District Public Health Office, a total of 169 cases have been confirmed in Birgunj Metropolitan City alone. Of these, 120 patients have recovered and returned home, while 49 remain under treatment at various hospitals in the district.
In addition, 16 cases have been reported in Pokhariya Municipality, taking the total number of confirmed cases in Parsa to 185. New cases are being detected daily, between Saturday evening and Sunday morning alone, 31 fresh infections were confirmed.
The government says it is intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday visited hospitals in Birgunj to assess the situation and announced that personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police with medical training would be deployed in the affected areas.
Health Minister Pradeep Paudel and Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa had also traveled to Parsa earlier to monitor patients and government response.
Schools shut to prevent spread
With cholera spreading at the community level, public fear is mounting in Parsa and neighboring districts. In Birgunj, where the majority of cases have been reported, schools have been closed for a week. “The closure will continue until Tuesday to minimize risks to children,” said Raju Prasad Sah, an official at Birgunj’s health division. During the closure, schools are being disinfected, and awareness programs are being run in communities on how to prevent diarrheal diseases.
Cause still unknown
The outbreak first drew attention on August 12, when patients with diarrhea and suspected cholera were admitted to Terai Hospital in Birgunj. Cholera was confirmed nearly two weeks later, on August 21. Since then, three people have died from diarrheal illness in the area.
In total, 821 patients have been treated for diarrhea in the district, with 622 recovering and 199 still undergoing treatment. Despite cholera being confirmed at the community level for over 10 days, health authorities say the root cause remains unclear. Water samples from the affected ward tested negative at the Madhesh Province laboratory, raising further questions.
Officials insist the situation is manageable. “Although the number of patients is increasing, most cases are mild. With coordinated efforts from the federal government, local authorities, and related agencies, the outbreak can be controlled,” said Sah.
Health officials urge the public to strictly follow hygiene measures, including boiling water before drinking, avoiding raw vegetables, and not consuming stale or spoiled food. September is expected to remain a high-risk month, they warned.
Fears in neighboring districts
The confirmation of one case in Kalaiya, Bara, has sparked fear in adjoining districts. Public health experts have cautioned travelers from outbreak-hit areas to be careful. However, Parsa health officials say a COVID-style lockdown is not necessary at this stage.
“We are working on expert advice. Personal hygiene and safe food practices remain the key to controlling the outbreak,” said office spokesperson Thakuri, adding that efforts are underway to both identify the cause and raise public awareness.
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