Five epidemics have been reported so far this year.
The latest on 12 April was at the Nyenzergang Lhakhang at Rubesa, Wangduephodrang, when 30 people attending the ritual were infected with Acute Gastroenteritis (commonly referred to as stomach flu or gastric flu).
The disease has been contained since then.
The other reported outbreaks were 48 cases of typhoid fever in and around Nganglam, Pemagatshel on 30 March. The patients were brought to the Nganglam BHU I. One day earlier, the Goshing BHU at Zhemgang reported 12 cases of Chicken Pox from Goshing School.
On 8 March, 61 cases of Acute Respiratory Infection from Yarphu School, Wangphu at Samdrup Jongkhar were reported.
To contain such outbreaks, the Public Health Department (PHD) sends an outbreak response team to investigate and control the epidemic. During the process, the Dzongkhag administration and health service, and the local government are also involved. Timely advocacy and health advisories are then provided to the population.
In January, suspected Shigellosis in Toktowom, Chukha affected 27 people. Shigellosis is a bacterial infection of the lining of the intestines.
Since the gastric flu outbreak in Wangdue, intervention measures are being undertaken by the Department of Public Health (DoPH), Ministry of Health (MoH).
These reports were filed in by the Public Health Laboratory (PHL), whose role is to investigate, confirm, and report to the public health department.
Most of these outbreaks occurred due to poor sanitation and lack of personal hygiene.
According to the medical technologist of the PHL, Tshering Dorji, although five outbreaks within a span of four months seem like a record high, endemic outbreaks have reduced drastically in the country compared to olden times.
Earlier, in the 80s and 90s, outbreaks of diarrheal diseases like dysentery and typhoid among others were common in almost all the dzongkhags.
Now, according to the Chief Program Officer, Tandin Dorji, normally, only about one to two outbreaks are reported annually nationwide.
However, 2010 saw the highest number of influenza (H1N1) outbreaks
To contain such outbreaks, the Public Health Department (PHD) sends an outbreak response team to investigate and control the epidemic. During the process, the Dzongkhag administration and health service, and the local government are also involved. Timely advocacy and health advisories are then provided to the population.