Cholera risk in Kathmandu

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spread primarily through contaminated water and food. It can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours if untreated. In Kathmandu, rapid population growth, aging water infrastructure, and monsoon flooding create favorable conditions for outbreaks. Open water sources, street food vendors, and crowded settlements increase exposure risk.

To reduce your cholera risk in Kathmandu:

Treat all drinking water. Boil water for at least one minute, use chlorine tablets, or rely on certified bottled water with intact seals. Avoid ice from unknown sources and do not drink from public taps or open wells.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before eating, after using the toilet, and after handling raw food. Carry alcohol-based sanitizer as backup when soap is unavailable.

Eat only freshly cooked, hot food. Avoid raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits, and street foods left at room temperature. If you eat street food, choose vendors cooking to order in front of you and avoid items with visible standing water contact.

Keep living areas dry and clean. Store food covered, dispose of waste properly, and ensure sewage does not contaminate living spaces. During monsoon season, avoid wading through floodwater and clean any items exposed to floodwater with disinfectant.

Seek medical care immediately if you develop severe watery diarrhea, especially after consuming local water or food. Oral rehydration salts can be lifesaving while seeking treatment.