The influenza-like illness that claimed nine lives in Tajakot Rural Municipality of Humla has gradually come under control, according to the authorities concerned.

Dr KN Poudel of the Karnali Provincial Hospital, who reached the affected remote village leading a medical team, told the Post on Tuesday that the number of patients significantly decreased.

“Twelve of the total 64 people who visited Maila Health Post on Tuesday were found afflicted with the flu-like symptoms. We also went door-to-door and provided treatment in the affected settlements. The number of patients has significantly decreased now,” said Poudel.

Four doctors, including Poudel, and several health workers have been providing treatment in the Tajakot area for the past three days. According to Poudel, three doctors are preparing to return while one will stay back in the affected area for a few more days. The medical team had provided treatment to around 200 patients as of Tuesday.  

 The flu-like disease that was spreading in various wards of Tajakot Rural Municipality for the past three weeks is yet to be identified. The medical team collected throat swab samples of five patients for laboratory test on Monday.

“We have kept the samples in a refrigerator. The samples have to be transported to Kathmandu by air. Hopefully they will send a helicopter soon from the city. Although the disease is under control for now, it will be unfortunate if we fail to identify the disease,” said Poudel.

The situation of health and sanitation, according to the medical team, is quite miserable in Tajakot that has total population of around 8,000. A huge number of children are suffering from malnutrition while respiratory ailments are common among elderly people.  

Tajakot is a remote local unit in Humla. It is about three-day walk away from Simikot, the district headquarters. The people’s representatives suggested the government to establish a primary health centre in the area with at least one resident doctor. “The local people of Tajakot will get timely treatment if there is a primary health centre with a doctor. We have requested the concerned authorities for the same,” said Shyam Acharya, officer at the Provincial Health Directorate.

Social Development Minister of Karnali Province Dal Rawal, who hails from Humla, said that the government will soon make a policy level decision to set up a primary health centre in the remote local bodies in Humla and other districts.