No information on spread of infectious diseases after monsoon-induced disasters, Health Ministry says

Kathmandu, Oct 5: The Ministry of Health and Population has said that no information on the spread infectious diseases from any part of the country is received so far after the recent monsoon-induced disasters.

Ministry’s Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki said that no information on the spread of infectious diseases is obtained, adding that the Ministry has asked the agencies to inform the Ministry if any infectious disease including cholera, diarrhoea and water-borne diseases were spread to a large number of people at a place.

Dr Budhathoki said that all should apply best precautions against such diseases as the infection of such diseases is high because of the polluted source of water after the disasters.

Likewise, the Chief Consultant Physician of Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital, Dr Bimal Chalise, said that no patient has visited the hospital due to the spread of the infectious disease at once after the recent disasters of flooding, landslides and inundation. “However, we are in a ready position being aware that infectious diseases could surface,” Dr Chalise said.

Dr Chalise stated, “The water-borne and insect-borne diseases rise after the disasters. There remain chances diarrhoea, hepatitis and scrub typhus after the contamination in the water sources. So, top precaution is needed during such time.”

Dr Chalise has cautioned to apply precautions as the possibility of snakebites and mosquito bites remains high in such time, and has asked to pay attention to personal hygiene, maintain the quality of drinking water, and use fruits and vegetables by cleaning properly.