Patiala grapples with diarrhoea outbreaks

Diarrhoea outbreaks have become a yearly occurring in Patiala. Since the onset of monsoon season, water contamination related outbreaks have been reported at two locations in the district, claiming five lives, including two women.

Four persons have died and over 100 taken ill after the diarrhoea outbreak at Alipur Araian village. In a fresh case, the outbreak pertaining to water contamination claimed the life of a 65-year-old man, while the condition of two others was stated to be critical. The outbreak this time has taken place at Changera village near Banur.

The deceased was identified as Sarwan Singh, while the condition of Amar Singh (55) and Gurpal Singh (65) is stated to be serious. Two family members of the deceased, including his grandson Gurpreet Singh (eight) and daughter-in-law Maninder Kaur, were also rushed to the hospital after they developed symptoms of diarrhoea.

According to residents, leakage during the installation of a new water pipeline has led to water contamination.

An official of the Water Supply Department said the fault was being checked. Civil Surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh said health teams had already been deployed. Water contamination was detected in 60 houses of the village. However, the situation has been brought under control.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Preeti Yadav said regular pre-monsoon check was carried out to plug water contamination. Soon after receiving the information about the outbreak, Health Department teams were rushed to the spot and the situation had been brought under control.

Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, meanwhile, visited the Changera village in Rajpura, following the recent outbreak of diarrhoea cases. Accompanied by officials from the Health and Water Supply Departments, he reviewed the situation, assessed medical arrangements, and interacted with affected residents.

The minister informed that 24-hour surveillance has been activated in the village, with clean drinking water being supplied via tankers and an adequate stock of essential medicines made available.

He informed that all drinking water pipelines have been inspected, and necessary repairs were carried out.

Civil Surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh reported that health teams have conducted door-to-door surveys in the village, and new cases have significantly decreased. So far, 21 cases have been recorded, and the situation is now under control. Continuous monitoring is being carried out, he added.