Sixteen people have died and many others have been taken ill due to flu-like disease at Raya, Syada, and Madana VDCs in Humla in the past two weeks.

Fourteen people in Raya and Syada VDCs and two people in Madana VDC have succumbed to the disease so far, according to locals.

Ram Prasad Bhusal, a teacher at Syada VDC, said while the disease is fast spreading and there is a shortage of medicine in the region. People suffering from the disease have symptoms, including headache, fever and common cold.

To reach the disease-affected areas from the district headquarters of Simikot, it takes one at least four days on foot.

Amardip Dev of District Public Health Office said medical teams were sent to the affected areas soon after the disease was reported.

Meanwhile, a flu-like disease has also been reported in Rodikot, Saya, Barai, and Melchham villages.