Contaminated Water Linked to Diarrhea Outbreak in Indore
Diarrhea Outbreak in Indore
Laboratory tests have confirmed that the recent diarrhea outbreak in Indore, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 individuals and affected over 1,400 others, was caused by contaminated drinking water. These findings have raised serious concerns regarding the water supply system in certain areas of Indore, despite the city being recognized as India's cleanest for the past eight years.
Dr. Madhav Prasad Hasni, the Chief Medical and Health Officer of Indore, informed reporters that a laboratory report prepared by a local medical college confirmed contamination in the drinking water due to a leak in the pipeline in the Bhagirathpura area, where the outbreak was first reported. However, he did not disclose detailed findings from the report.
Authorities have identified a leak in the main drinking water supply pipeline located above a toilet near a police station in Bhagirathpura. They indicated that this leak has led to the contamination of the water supplied to the area.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey stated that officials are conducting a thorough investigation of the entire drinking water pipeline in Bhagirathpura to identify any further leaks. Following the investigation, clean water was supplied to homes through the pipeline on Thursday, but residents have been advised to boil water before consumption as a precaution. Water samples have also been collected for further testing.
Discussing the incident, Dubey mentioned that the state government plans to issue a standard operating procedure to prevent such outbreaks in the future. Under the direction of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, he visited Bhagirathpura to assess the situation.
Health Department Response
A health department official reported that on Thursday, a survey was conducted in 1,714 homes in Bhagirathpura, involving the examination of 8,571 individuals. Among them, 338 people exhibiting mild symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea received primary treatment at home.
The official further noted that in the past eight days, 272 patients have been admitted to local hospitals, with 71 having been discharged. Currently, 201 patients remain hospitalized, including 32 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).