Recent cases of food poisoning have heightened concerns regarding the quality of drinking water in Kathmandu, as health officials and experts warn of potential waterborne diseases amidst the approaching festive season.
Last week, a group of 47 individuals, including children and elderly individuals from Gokarneshwar Municipality in Kathmandu, were admitted to hospitals after suffering from symptoms of food poisoning. Health workers who attended to the victims reported instances of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever among those who had consumed food at a baby’s naming ceremony.
Sagar Ghimire, the Chief of the Health Office in Kathmandu, shared that water samples collected from Gokarneshwar and Budhanilkantha Municipalities were sent for testing to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. Ghimire acknowledged that previous studies indicated contamination in the drinking water supply across the Kathmandu Valley, irrespective of their sources.
As the festive season approaches, concerns continue to mount over the quality of drinking water. Instances of food poisoning and waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis, have already been reported. Notably, in late July, around two dozen individuals, including those from Nagarjun Municipality, fell ill with food poisoning following a gathering held on the 13th day after a relative’s passing.
Though no fatalities were reported in these incidents, medical professionals anticipate a potential surge in cases of food poisoning and waterborne illnesses in the coming days.
Sagar Ghimire shared insights into ongoing efforts, stating, “We have been conducting regular testing of drinking water, including purified jar water and piped water at homes. Our study showed that most of the drinking water samples tested were found to be contaminated with harmful microbes.”
Floodwaters have contributed to the contamination of many drinking water sources, exacerbating concerns. Furthermore, compromised water supply channels due to leaks have facilitated the mixing of drinking water with sewage, further compromising water quality. Medical experts advise heightened caution while consuming food at gatherings and events, particularly during the monsoon season, when the risk of water contamination is elevated.
While bottled water is generally considered safer by residents of the Kathmandu Valley compared to other sources, the presence of dangerous microbes suggests that many brands of jarred water require treatment before consumption.
Earlier studies by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, conducted in June, revealed that a significant portion—nearly a third, or 32.6 percent—of the drinking water utilized in Kathmandu was contaminated with faecal coliform. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved water quality and heightened vigilance in the face of potential health risks.
