As a result, the number of Kala-azar patients has doubled in the rural areas this year in comparison to the previous year, according to the District Public Health Office (DPHO).

Spreads through the sand fly bite, the disease has affected residents in Majhare VDC ward No.  1, 5, 7 and 8 and Bhatigachha VDC ward No. 1 and 5 and Katahari VDC Ward No.  1, 5, 7 and 9 and  Babita VDC Ward No.  3, 8 and 9 and Hatimudha VDC Ward No 5 and 6, said DPHO sources.  

The number of the patients has already reached 136 this year where as the number of the patients was 63 last year.  

Meanwhile, the DPHO has appealed to the locals to maintain cleanliness in their surrounding and to use mosquito net to stay away from the sand fly bite.   

The government provides free of cost medicines for Kala-azar patients including a transportation allowance of 1,000.