Lalitpur water sources contaminated, diarrhoeal infections surge

Drinking water in public schools and offices across three local units of Nepal's Lalitpur district is contaminated with hazardous microbes, according to officials. Tests on 45 water samples revealed that over half contained fecal coliform and E. coli, bacteria indicating sewage or human waste contamination.

The Public Health Office, Lalitpur, has notified the affected institutions and urged them to implement preventive measures. This contamination is a significant factor in the rising incidence of waterborne diseases nationwide. The rate of diarrheal infections among children under five has nearly tripled in three years, reaching 318 per 1,000 in the fiscal year 2024-025, a stark increase from 115 per 1,000 in 2022-023.

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Over 50 percent of samples were found to be contaminated. We have notified the schools and public offices and asked them to take preventive measures.

Health experts emphasize that consuming contaminated water can lead to serious illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis A and E. While major outbreaks have not occurred in the Kathmandu valley this year, health facilities report a significant surge in diarrheal infections, fever, typhoid, and hepatitis. Rapid diagnostic tests have also identified some diarrheal patients as positive for cholera. The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division noted acute gastroenteritis as the most reported condition last week, with 721 cases.

Doctors suggest that the actual number of cases is likely higher, as many individuals with mild symptoms treat themselves at home. The monsoon season exacerbates the problem, with floodwaters frequently contaminating drinking water sources. Similar tests in Kathmandu district found all water samples contaminated, highlighting a widespread issue across the region.

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We all know that most of our drinking water sources are not safe and can become contaminated with floodwater.