Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun: “Post-disaster health risks can persist for months”
Summary
Flood-affected areas in Nepal are facing ongoing health risks as diarrhea cases appear and experts warn of possible cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, leptospirosis, dengue, and scrub typhus outbreaks. Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun says the danger can persist for weeks to months unless safe water, sanitation, and surveillance are restored quickly.
Key Points
- Diarrhea cases have emerged in flood-affected areas such as Rasuwa, signaling continued problems with drinking water and sanitation.
- Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun warns that cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and E, leptospirosis, dengue, and scrub typhus can spread after floods and landslides.
- Health risks can persist for weeks to months after a disaster, so surveillance, testing, vaccines, and safe water measures must continue.
- The article stresses that safe water, toilets, waste management, hand hygiene, and early treatment are the main defenses against post-disaster outbreaks.
