Viral influenza epidemic at Junichande Rural Municipality in Jajarkot has come under control, the District Health Office (DHO) confirmed.

It is safe to rule that the infection has been contained at Junichande since the health workers have not come across any flu patient since Tuesday,  DHO chief Ram Bahadur Nepali said on Wednesday.

Medical workers had organised health camps as well as door-to-door drive in the affected areas to treat the patients. Nepali said the medical team, including the consultant doctors from Jumla, has returned after making sure the infection has been brought under control. The viral flu outbreak had mostly affected the people of wards 1, 2, 3 and 11 of Junichande. The infection killed 14 people and downed hundreds others over three weeks period.

Tul Bahadur Khadka, 60, of Junichande-2 was the latest victim of the infection, who died for want of treatment on Sunday.

Two dozen health workers, including five doctors, were deployed in the affected settlements.

According to the DHO, around 2,100 viral patients received treatment through local health facilities, health camps and doorstep campaign.

The DHO has also started a health awareness programme focusing the settlements like Badkule, Kabhra, Karkigaun, Bhairabtol, Deshipata, Palta, Ali, Maugan, Parale, Dadakot and Syala from Wednesday.

Nepali said the awareness programme is aimed at teaching people about the importance of clean drinking water, properly cooked meal and sanitation.