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Health experts warn of disease outbreaks
Health experts have warned of possible outbreak of diseases in the flood-affected districts, given their poor sanitation and hygiene conditions in the wake of the disaster.Health experts have warned of possible outbreak of diseases in the flood-affected districts, given their poor sanitation and hygiene conditions in the wake of the disaster.
Noting that this year’s monsoon have affected over six million people across the country, they have urged the government to take steps to prevent outbreak of water/food-borne diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and jaundice.
Dr BD Chatauth, former director general of the Department of Health Services, said water/food-borne epidemic are likely to occur 24 hours after a disaster like flood.
“The government should be prepared for possible epidemic,” Dr Chatauth said. “Setting up medical camps at flood affected areas is very important.”
Dr GD Thakur, former director of Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, said measures to provide nutritious food, clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities at flood-hit areas should be of paramount importance at this moment.
“There is a high chance of water-borne diseases breaking out in areas affected by floods. It all depends on how well prepared the authorities are to stave off disease
outbreaks,” Dr Thakur said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health (MoH) on Sunday formed four teams to be deployed on ground to support local health authorities while carrying out emergency medical services.
Health Minister Giriraj Mani Pokhrel said the ministry has also activated its Health Emergency Operation Centre to coordinate health services in flood-affected districts. Five officials will be assigned at the centre around the clock for a week, he added.