MoHP, which carried out the post-quake risk assessment in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Gorkha, Dhading, Sindhupalchowk and Kavrepalanchowk districts from April 30 to May 24 found that 74 percent water samples collected from the affected districts are unfit for drinking. The study was jointly carried out by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) , National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), under the of the Department of Health services (DoHS),Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) of the MoHP, Nepalese Army Medical Corps (NAMC) and a number of volunteers from various health institutes. The study was supported by China Medical Team (CMT).The CMT comprised 59 members with expertise in public health management, epidemiology, laboratory, safety of drinking water and food, insect control, psychology, and treatment of infectious diseases. "Most of the water samples were unfit for drinking and must be treated and boiled to make it fit for consumption," said the report unveiled on Monday.
Similarly, high density of Aedes larvae in Kathmandu Valley ahead of monsoon indicates likelihood of dengue and chikungunya outbreak in the post-monsoon seasons. Likewise, the study also found Salmonella in DDC milk, yogurt and ice cream.
A press statement issued by the NHRC on Monday said that upto May 23 a total of 354 samples have been collected and tested (245 water, five food, 47 stool, 56 throat swab and one blood sample) from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Gorkha, Dhading, Sindhupalchowk and Kavrepalanchowk districts.
It is said that 50 water samples meet Nepal's standard for drinking water. Of the four stool samples, two tested positive for rotavirus and two for Shigella. One throat swab sample has tested positive for influenza B.
Risk of dengue, chikungunya in Valley
The NHRC said vector survey was carried out in Kathmandu Valley from May 21 to 22 in which 162 households, 574 water containers in eight different localities of Kathmandu Valley were tested. The study found presence of dengue, chikungunya, malaria and Japanese encephalitis vectors. The Aedes mosquito average Breteau Index (BI) is 48.77 indicating risk of dengue and chikungunya outbreak in Kathmandu.
Meanwhile, the NHRC said the CMT also communicates and coordinates with WHO and regularly attends Foreign Medical Team coordination meetings, and sends updates to MoHP and WHO Country Office, Nepal as required.
The study suggests an urgent need to continue strong surveillance of communicable diseases for prevention and control of epidemics in the upcoming monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, especially at the earthquake affected districts.
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