Five more persons died from the epidemic of diarrhoea in the district on Wednesday, taking the death toll from the epidemic since its first outbreak in April to 189.
The deceased have been identified as Bahadur Rokaya, 55, and Bhanmati Tiluwa, 57, of Thalaraika VDC-9, Bhim Bahadur BK, 21, of Nayakbada VDC-8, and Subi BK, 55, of Laha VDC-1.
Doubt has been cast on a much-lauded method of disinfecting water using only sunlight, after a study found that it doesn't reduce diarrhoea among children in families using the technique.
While the mid-west has shown no signs of improvement from the diarrhoea, the epidemic has now spread in Sunsari in the east.
The main water sources have been contaminated with the incessant downpour, thus affecting the people in remote places as well as in the district headquarters.
As many as 50 patients are treated for diarrhoea at the hospital in Sunsari district headquarters Inaruwa.
Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, on Wednesday, said that according to estimates, water, sanitation and hygiene related diseases cost Pakistan's economy about Rs 112 billion per year, over Rs 300 million a day in terms of health cost. He added that out of this, the cost associated with diarrheas alone was around Rs 55-80 billion per year.
BHUBANESWAR: At least two persons have died and eight others have been affected by gastroenteritis in Prasanti Vihar slum of the State capital during past one week.
Tiruvannamalai: Around 35 people of T.Velur near Thanippadi were afflicted with diarrhoea on Monday.
Since a number of diarrhoea cases reported from T.Velur, Deputy Director (Health Services) Chithra has organised a medical camp in the village.
