May 09, Kathmandu- Children from four wards of Namobuddha Municipality in Kavre have been infected with hepatitis. Doctors at Methinkot Hospital have said that 18 children from the wards around Bhakundebesi, the city's center, have been infected and are undergoing treatment at local hospitals.

According to Dr. Tribhuvan Chandra Jha, Medical Superintendent of Methinkot Hospital, the infection has been detected in children from Wards 2, 3, 4 and 6 and students studying in a nearby school.

He said that samples have been collected and sent for testing on suspicion of infection through water or food. It has been found that a doctor working at the hospital is among the infected.

The hospital has stated that after patients started coming to the hospital with symptoms including jaundice since last Tuesday, hepatitis infection was confirmed after samples were collected and tested.

It is suspected that the infection was caused by drinking water distributed in the Bhakunde Besi area and food items including Panipuri being sold in the market.

The hospital has also requested to be vigilant to prevent the spread of the infection and to pay attention to drinking water, food and hygiene.