Nepal faces cholera alert: Major outbreak in Lalitpur

Kathmandu—Cholera has been diagnosed in 22 individuals across Nepal. Cases have been reported in Kailali district as well as in Kathmandu and Lalitpur, two districts within the Kathmandu Valley.

According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) of the Ministry of Health and Population, Lalitpur has reported 14 cases, Kailali has reported 7 cases, and Kathmandu has reported 1 case.

In Lalitpur, cholera was confirmed in 10 individuals from Godavari Municipality-14. A 16-year-old youth from a rehabilitation center in Godavari was admitted to Teku Hospital on July 19, and cholera was confirmed on July 22. Subsequently, 10 other residents of the rehabilitation center were diagnosed with the disease. Additionally, cholera has been confirmed in four people from Imadol, Gwarko, and Chapagaon in Lalitpur.

In Kathmandu, a case of cholera was identified in Tokha Municipality following diagnostic testing. In Kailali, seven cases have been confirmed in Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City. Investigations indicate that the cholera cases in the Kathmandu Valley and Kailali are not related.

The monsoon season increases the risk of contaminated water mixing with drinking water, which can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, including cholera. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the purity of drinking water during this time.