Minister for Health and Population Khagraj Adhikari confirmed that cholera was brought under control in the Capital. people were reported to have tested positive for cholera since its outbreak in Kathmandu and Lalitpur some two weeks ago.
Speaking at the meeting of the Legislature-Parliament today, Minister Adhikari said that government was also collaborating with the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation to make antidote for snakebites. In view of providing medical services to the quake-hit persons residing in various makeshift shelters, the Ministry of Health and Population had started mobilising health workers in various temporary shelters, according to Minister Adhikari.Cholera is an infection of the small intestine by some strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Symptoms may range from none, to mild, to severe. The classic symptom is large amounts of watery diarrhea that lasts a few days.Vomiting and muscle cramps may also occur. Diarrhea can be so severe that it leads within hours to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This may result in sunken eyes, cold skin, decreased skin elasticity, and wrinkling of the hands and feet. The dehydration may result in the skin turning bluish. Symptoms start two hours to five days after exposure. Cholera is caused by a number of types of Vibrio cholerae, with some types producing more severe disease than others. It is spread mostly by water and food that has been contaminated with human feces containing the bacteria. Insufficiently cooked seafood is a common source. Humans are the only animal affected. Risk factors for the disease include poor sanitation, not enough clean drinking water, and poverty.
