KATHMANDU: The monsoon season in Nepal has triggered the annual surge of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, including dengue, scrub typhus, Japanese encephalitis, acute diarrhea, and cholera. Health authorities have confirmed widespread outbreaks, particularly in the southern Terai region.
According to the Family Welfare Division, dengue has now spread across 74 districts, while scrub typhus cases have been reported in Chitwan and several other Terai districts. Japanese encephalitis has affected 103 people nationwide, claiming 20 lives so far.
Parsa district, however, is facing a more severe crisis as cholera has reached outbreak levels. The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) reports 625 confirmed cases with three fatalities. Local authorities are working closely with federal and provincial governments to contain the disease, provide medical treatment, and raise public awareness. Vinod Jha, acting chief at Parsa Health Office, stated that though the number of infections is rising, most cases are not severe, and many patients have been discharged.
Current situation in Parsa
Based on reports from 18 hospitals, including Pokharia Hospital, 84 new cases were recorded recently. Of the 625 patients treated so far, 32 are in intensive care units (ICU), seven in high dependency units (HDU), and 189 in general wards. A total of 438 patients have already been discharged.
Among the hospitalized, 152 were confirmed cholera cases. Of these, 78 patients have recovered and returned home, while 74 remain under treatment in various hospitals, all in stable condition. Officials say the high discharge rate indicates the situation is gradually coming under control. Cholera has affected people of all ages, including children, the elderly, and pregnant or postpartum women.
According to Jha, the first cholera case in Parsa was identified at the Terai Hospital in Birgunj Metropolitan City. Nearly all current cases originate from Birgunj, with 48 new Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) positive cases reported on the same day. While contamination from drinking water is suspected, initial water tests did not detect cholera-causing bacteria. Samples are still being tested, and authorities are awaiting results to identify the source of infection.
Government response and measures
The federal government, provincial authorities, local bodies, and agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Red Cross are actively involved in containment efforts. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, addressing the House of Representatives, announced deployment of doctors and medical equipment from all four security forces under the Health and Population Ministry to help control the outbreak in Birgunj.
Health authorities are distributing awareness materials, posters, and pamphlets in affected wards of Birgunj Metropolitan City, alongside media campaigns to educate the public. Neighboring districts such as Kalaiya in Bara are on high alert, although no secondary spread has been reported outside Parsa. Experts advise residents to minimize nonessential travel and maintain strict hygiene practices, such as proper handwashing and use of clean toilets.
Preventive measures
Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, an infectious disease specialist at Teku Hospital, said basic hygiene measures can effectively prevent cholera spread. People in affected areas are advised to drink boiled or treated water, avoid outside food of uncertain origin, and maintain hand hygiene. Vaccinations can be considered for high-risk groups, including children, pregnant and postpartum women, and the elderly, although widespread use of cholera vaccines is currently not practiced in Nepal.
Dr. Pun also highlighted the importance of government and community collaboration in controlling outbreaks. He noted that recurring water shortages in Birgunj and poor sanitation practices contribute to cholera vulnerability, making preventive measures and public awareness crucial.
With coordinated efforts from authorities and adherence to hygiene practices by the public, health experts remain cautiously optimistic about controlling the current outbreak.
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