Hundreds of people have been taken ill with fever and typhoid in Ramechhap after drinking contaminated water.

Ramechhap District Hospital has been swarmed with patients coming for treatment for the past few days. Tests on samples of drinking water from Babiyakharka, Paudelgaun, Salle and Dumrikharka villages suggested bacteria contamination, according to the District Health Office.

“We have already cured hundreds of patients in the past month. Around 8-10 patients are admitted on a daily basis,” said Dr Nabin Sinjali Magar of the district hospital, adding that some patients in critical condition have been referred to Kathmandu-based hospitals for treatment.

Acting chief of the District Drinking Water and Sanitation Division Office Nawaraj Satyal said they had launched an awareness programme in the affected areas.

Two months ago, several people had contracted jaundice in the municipality. Dr Pratikshya Khatiwada said the disease was also caused by water contamination. (PR)