Viral fever claims nine lives, dozens affected in mid-western Nepal: authorities

KATHMANDU - Viral fever claimed at least nine lives, including six children, in Jajarkot district of mid-western Nepal since its outbreak a week ago, local health authorities said on Saturday.

Hari Bahadur Singh, health in-charge at the Badkule Majkot-based health post, said five children and four adults lost their lives to viral fever spread in Junichande Rural Municipality of the district, some 400 km west of the capital.

"I am now running an emergency health camp in the municipality where more than 150 people affected by the viral fever and common cold received treatment only on Saturday," the health officer told the local media.

In the past one week, at least 60 people suffered by the viral fever and seasonal cold came to his health office on a daily basis to undergo treatment, the health officer said.

"The toll is expected to rise since the epidemic fever have not been controlled yet as the wave of cold weather continued to shiver people," he added.

Local resident Kashiram Neupane said at least four persons in a family have fallen sick due to the viral fever and seasonal cold in Majkot area.

Chief at the District Health Office in Jajarkot Ram Bahadur Nepali said a team of health personnel have been deployed to the viral fever-affected areas to bring the situation under control.