KATHMANDU, July 24: Cholera cases have been reported in the Kathmandu Valley. Cholera infection has been confirmed in a patient treated at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital.

Dr Yuvanidhi Basuala, the hospital director, confirmed that a 16-year-old boy residing at a rehabilitation center in Ward Number 14 of Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, has been diagnosed with cholera. The teenager, who came to the hospital for treatment on Friday, is currently being isolated and treated.

Dr Basuala also said that another young man who arrived from the same location on Monday is suspected of having cholera. His sample is being tested at the National Public Health Laboratory.

Following the confirmation of cholera, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division has conducted preliminary investigations at the rehabilitation center. A monitoring team has been deployed in coordination with the Lalitpur Health Office and Godawari Municipality.

Cholera is caused by an infection from the bacterium ‘Vibrio cholerae’, which is present in the feces of infected individuals. The bacterium reaches the intestines through contaminated food and water, such as drinking water and vegetables. Cholera is not transmitted through other routes. Doctors have reported that the cholera spread in Kathmandu is linked to garbage and contaminated water.