Fever, typhoid outbreak in Rohtak villages

Many villages in Rohtak district are grappling with fever and typhoid outbreaks caused by contaminated drinking water and poor sanitation following prolonged waterlogging.

Stagnant water accumulating in agricultural fields and open spaces is also creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising the risk of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue in the coming weeks.

Most villagers suffering from fever and typhoid — locally known as ‘motijhara’ — are visiting private doctors, including unqualified practitioners, due to a lack of government healthcare facilities in rural areas.

“A number of residents in our village as well as neighbouring villages are suffering from fever, typhoid and diarrhoea after the recent heavy rains and contamination of drinking water,” said Devender of Farmana village in Rohtak district.

Ram Chander from Bedwa village expressed similar concerns, adding their village is also severely affected by fever and typhoid.

He pointed out the water from a village well, used by residents of several nearby villages, has become contaminated as rising underground water levels mixed with dirty water.

Shlok of Saiman village said that most villagers seek treatment at charitable hospitals or from quacks to access prompt and affordable medication.

A similar situation is being reported across other villages and residential localities in Rohtak, where private clinics and quack practitioners are overwhelmed with patients.

Local residents have repeatedly complained about poor sanitation and contaminated water supply. While the district administration has assured prompt and effective action to address these concerns, the situation on the ground remains unsatisfactory.

“My mother has been suffering from typhoid for over a week. The contaminated water supply is causing widespread illness. The authorities must ensure clean drinking water and proper sanitation to safeguard residents’ health,” said Amit, a resident of Housing Board Colony in Rohtak.

District Health Officer Dr Dinesh Garg said water samples were being collected from both rural and urban areas for testing to detect disease-causing organisms such as bacteria.

“If such organisms are found in the drinking water, Public Health Department officials are notified so that remedial measures like chlorination can be implemented,” he added.