NEPAL: BHUTANESE REFUGEE CAMPS FACE VIRAL INFLUENZA

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 001215

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR SA/INS, PRM

E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF SOCI NP
SUBJECT: NEPAL: BHUTANESE REFUGEE CAMPS FACE VIRAL INFLUENZA


1. As has happened in past years during the early to mid-
monsoon period in Nepal, the Bhutanese refugee camps are
facing widespread cases of viral influenza. According to
UNHCR, the western refugee camps (Beldangi 1-3 and
Sanischare) are suffering the peak of the disease, whereas
the numbers of cases in Timai (northwest-most camp) are
declining, and Kundunabari and Goldhap appear unaffected.
(NOTE: This strain of viral influenza lasts from seven to 10
days, and manifests as a fever and chest cold. END NOTE.)


2. UNHCR, based on reports from its medical implementing
partner AMDA (Association of Medical Doctors of Asia- Nepal)
and UNHCR staff in the camps, indicated that, contrary to
media reports (which reported 10 influenza-related deaths),
only two recent illness-related deaths have occurred in the
camps, and neither appears to be influenza-related.
Instead, one appears to have been caused by a chest
infection of unknown type, and the other a similar chest
infection compounded by tuberculosis. In the latter case,
the patient died while undergoing treatment at an AMDA
hospital.


3. UNHCR reports no shortage of medicine in the camps.
Moreover, on or about July 1, AMDA plans to bring a team of
medical researchers to the camps to investigate and type the
influenza strain.


4. COMMENT: Change in climate brought about by monsoon
rains typically signals the advent of various diseases such
as influenza, cholera, cyclospora and dysentery in Nepal.
Thus, it is not surprising that the refugee camps, facing
similar changes in temperature and humidity, with the
additional difficulty of high-density hut-living, would
experience at least the same incidence of disease as the
rest of the country. It appears, however, that UNHCR and
its medical implementing partner have the situation under
control. END COMMENT.