Cholera outbreak in Peermuchalla | 17 new cases surface7 of 10 water samples fail test

Tribune News Service

Zirakpur, September 15

For the second month running, the Zirakpur area has been struck by an outbreak of cholera, this time in Peermuchalla, the health authorities confirmed today.

Seven of the 10 water samples collected from several places in Peermuchalla have failed the laboratory test, confirming bacterial contamination.

“It is a cholera outbreak. The blood and stool samples collected from patients have confirmed it. Seven of the 10 water samples were found unfit for drinking,’’ said Dr Adarshpal Kaur, Civil Surgeon, Mohali.

Over 200 patients have been given medical treatment for diarrhoea-like symptoms in the area. Residents said the number could actually be much higher as patients chose to visit Dhakoli, Panchkula, Zirakpur and Chandigarh hospitals.

Three days after initial complaints of water contamination started emanating and residents complained of fever and abdominal pain, patients continue to grow with 17 new mild diarrhoea cases reported and 10 patients hospitalised today.

Residents have been complaining about dirty water supply with foul smell, but Zirakpur Municipal Council officials maintain that there has been no written complaint and no leakage has been found in pipelines.

continued on page 2