A case of cholera has been confirmed in Kathmandu, highlighting concerns about a potential outbreak of the highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. The Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital reported that a 62-year-old man from Makwanpur district, who had been living in Kathmandu, tested positive for cholera after being admitted with severe diarrhoea. This instance is particularly alarming given the approaching monsoon season, which often exacerbates the spread of water-borne diseases due to contaminated water sources.
Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, leads to severe diarrhoea and vomiting, resulting in dehydration that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The World Health Organization identifies cholera as a significant public health threat and an indicator of inadequate social development and inequality. Health workers at the hospital confirmed that the patient was infected with the Vibrio cholerae 01 Ogawa serotype. This strain’s detection raises alarms as previous outbreaks in Kathmandu, such as the one during the 2022 monsoon, saw 77 confirmed cases and hundreds more affected by diarrheal diseases.
Public health experts stress that cholera outbreaks are particularly concerning before the monsoon, as rainwater often contaminates water resources, increasing the risk of widespread infection. Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun from Sukraraj Hospital indicated that many cholera cases might go unreported as not all patients seek hospital treatment, with some opting for over-the-counter remedies instead.
Despite these concerns, officials from the Health Office Kathmandu, such as Dr. Arjun Sapkota, claimed to be unaware of any recent cholera cases. This disconnect between hospital reports and public health office awareness underscores the need for better communication and proactive measures to prevent disease spread.
The Kathmandu Valley’s vulnerability to water-borne diseases is exacerbated by poor sanitation and hygiene, with many people affected annually by diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis, and cholera. Last year, health authorities responded to a cholera outbreak by administering oral vaccines in the most affected areas of the city. However, previous outbreaks, like the one in Kapilvastu in 2021, resulted in fatalities, prompting mass vaccination efforts after initial containment measures failed.
The World Health Organization advocates a multifaceted approach to controlling cholera, emphasizing the importance of awareness campaigns, ensuring access to safe drinking water, maintaining sanitation and hygiene, and effective treatment. Public health experts recommend a combination of these strategies to prevent and contain cholera outbreaks, stressing the need for immediate and coordinated action by health authorities.
