Diarrhea claims four in Sunsari

Two minors and a pregnant woman were among the four persons confirmed dead so far at a Dalit settlement in Madhuban of Sunsari district following a diarrhea outbreak over the past one week.

Shantidevi Rishidev, a four-month-pregnant woman, died late yesterday night after suffering from serious bout of diarrhea from the past some days. Two days ago, 13-year-old Kulshi Rishidev, daughter of Suraja Rishidev and 4-year-old daughter Ritu Kumari Rishidev and another daughter-in-law of Lochan Rishidev had also died of the disease in the same village. All deceased belonged to the same family.

Most of the people living in the settlement which is home to 22 Mushar families have been affected with the disease. The locals attribute the outbreak to lack of proper waste management in the settlement.

The situation has been further compounded as the sick have been denied any medical treatment at the Primary Health Center which lies at a distance of 500 meteres from the settlement. Because of this they have been compelled to travel 10 kilometers further to Laukahi Bazaar to get the treatment. nepalnews.com ag Oct 01 07