Nepal deploys doctors to tackle epidemics in quake-hit areas

The epidemiology and communicable disease control division of Nepal's health department has deployed national and international doctors in the earthquake-affected districts to control any possible outbreak of epidemics.

The division has deployed 175 doctors, including 125 foreigners, in Ramechhap, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchowk, Dhading and other badly affected districts, fearing that communicable diseases could break out spread at any time.

The medical teams will work to create awareness among people about the possible outbreak of communicable diseases. Likewise, the teams will carry out necessary work for health services in the quake-affected areas and coordinate with the central-level authorities regarding the health condition of the people and offer services as needed.

Baburam Marasini, executive director of the division, said the health posts and hospitals in the quake-hit districts were severely damaged and service delivery from these buildings was not likely.

He also said there is no outbreak of any epidemic so far in the quake-hit districts and other adjoining areas, but warned about infections due to lack of sanitation and change in weather.

Marasini said medicines and health workers from the unaffected districts would be mobilised and were kept on standby in case of any outbreak.

Some experts also ruled out any possible outbreak of epidemics in quake-hit areas.

While the search for some hundreds of bodies believed to be buried under rubble and landslides continues, and around 50 bodies remain unclaimed at hospital morgues, one expert has ruled out the possibility of a disease outbreak from corpses.

Kailash Gupta, director of the Indian chapter of the International Emergency Management Society, who has done extensive research on the management of mass corpses after disasters, said that outbreak of diseases due to the cadavers is "a myth created by the media".

(Anil Giri can be contacted at girianil@gmail.com)