Diarrhoeal infections nearly tripled in three years
Summary
Water samples from schools and public offices in Lalitpur, Mahalaxmi and Godawari municipalities have tested positive for faecal coliform and E. coli, raising concerns about contaminated drinking water. Health officials warn that diarrhoeal infections and other waterborne diseases are rising, especially among children under five.
Key Points
- More than half of 45 drinking-water samples collected from schools and public offices in three Lalitpur local units were contaminated with faecal coliform and E. coli.
- The diarrhoeal infection rate among children under five has nearly tripled in three years, reaching 318 per 1,000 in fiscal year 2024-025.
- Health officials say monsoon floodwater is contaminating water sources and increasing the risk of cholera, dysentery and typhoid.
- Doctors and public health experts urge people to drink boiled water and improve sanitation, hygiene and early treatment.
