Smallpox infection confirmed in Baitadi’s Surnaya rural municipality

Baitadi: Smallpox infection has been confirmed in wards 7 and 8 of Surnaya Rural Municipality in Baitadi district.

A team of health workers conducting on-site monitoring in the affected areas has reported that more than 12 individuals have been infected. Children appear to be the most affected, prompting authorities to maintain heightened vigilance in coordination with the Health Branch and Health Office, Baitadi.

Ramsingh Mahara, Head of the Health Branch of Surnaya Rural Municipality, stated that infected individuals are exhibiting symptoms such as fever and cough. “The affected patients have been urged to remain in separate isolation,” he said. Health workers are conducting door-to-door initial treatment and awareness programs.

Meanwhile, a World Health Organization (WHO) team is expected to reach the affected areas on Thursday morning to conduct on-site monitoring and testing to confirm whether the disease is indeed smallpox. According to Mahara, the WHO team will verify the findings through field assessment and lab testing.

Earlier, the Health Office Baitadi had already dispatched a medical team to the infected settlements. Bir Bahadur Bohara, Chief of Shikharpur Health Post, said that ongoing health services and awareness initiatives are being carried out to prevent the spread of the infection. “We are conducting regular monitoring, awareness campaigns, and providing therapeutic services simultaneously,” he said.

Health workers have urged local residents to maintain hygiene and sanitation, avoid mass gatherings, and immediately contact the nearest health institution or health worker if any symptoms arise.

The rural municipality administration has ensured the availability of essential health supplies and medicines in coordination with the local administration to control and prevent the spread of the infection.