A few days ago, locals had unknowingly mixed a higher proportion of “bleaching power” to purify the water in the tank. But soon after the locals consumed the water, they contracted diarrhea, said Tek Bahadur BK, assistant health worker at a health post in Panchakule. Children are the worst hit, he added. [break]
Diarrhea has reportedly started spreading to other areas. The number of diarrhea patients visiting the local health post has been going up everyday, said BK.
More than 150 patients have already been admitted to local health posts since the outbreak while many others are receiving treatment at private clinics, said BK, adding, “The condition of as many as 12 patients is critical.”
The local health post had even referred Mina Khatri of Panchakule -2 to Rapti Zonal Hospital after her health deteriorated. “After her health deteriorated, we referred her to the zonal hospital,” said BK.
With the surge in the number of patients, the health post has run out of Jeevan Jal (oral rehydration powder). “We have been informed about the diarrhea outbreak. We will send necessary medicines in the areas to control spread of the disease,” said Bishnu Pokharel, public health inspector at the Public Health Office.
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