Diarrhoea outbreak in Giaspura, 9 admitted to Civil Hospital

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 23

Cases of diarrhoea have been reported from Makkar and Samrat Colony in Giaspura. As many as nine patients, which includes six adults and three children, were admitted to the Civil Hospital today.

After receiving information about the diarrhoea, the Health Department swung into action. Officials of the department conducted a survey in the area and examined patients suspected to be suffering from the ailment. A medical camp was also organised in the affected area in which people were provided necessary medication.

“Some of our health workers informed us about cases of diarrhoea in Giaspura. Seven patients reached the Civil Hospital for a check up in the morning. When we reached the area we found the situation grave,” said district epidemiologist, Dr Ramesh.

“A medical camp was organised immediately and necessary medication was provided to the people. The camp will remain functional in the area till the situation is under control,” he added.

Health teams visited 1,975 houses and educated residents of the area through pamphlets and group meetings today. Chlorine tablets were also distributed among the people.

“The Municipal Corporation has also been sent the intonation and water samples from the area. Stool samples of patients have been collected and sent to the laboratory,” said Dr Ramesh.

Janaki Devi, a resident of Samrat Colony, said they had been complaining of contaminated water supply but to no avail.

Residents said this was not the first time that disease had knocked at their doors. Rather such diarrhoea outbreak recurred every year, they added. “Despite repeated occurrence of the disease no precaution is taken by the administration. The area falls prey to many water-borne diseases,” said residents.