Two children die of diarrhoea in Patiala

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 6

Diarrhoea outbreak took the life of two children at New Mohindra Colony here today. The deceased were identified as five-year-old Nakul and two-year-old Mehak.

Mehak was diagnosed with diarrhoea yesterday night. When she was taken to hospital today morning, she was declared brought dead.

In all, 76 persons have taken ill in the colony following the diarrhoea outbreak. Of them, 16 were hospitalised after their health got worse.

The Health Department said it had despatched rapid response teams to the colony and distributed ORS packets among the affected residents. Residents, who were severely sick, were shifted to a government hospital, officials say.

Civil Surgeon Dr Raju Dhir said, “As soon as the department received the information, it swung into action and conducted a house-to-house screening. Health teams are camping at the colony. A medical camp is underway.”

The supply of contaminated water for more than a week was the reason behind the spread of diarrhoea, alleged residents.

Municipal Corporation Joint Commissioner Naman Marken, who reached the outbreak site, said: “The civic body is already supplying potable water through tankers to residents of the affected area. Water samples have also been collected.”

He claimed water samples from the affected area were collected last week and no contamination was found.

This is the third major diarrhoea outbreak in the district over the past few months. In June, two children had died following the outbreak at Shamdo Camp in Rajpura. The same month, more than 250 people had fallen sick at Jhill village.

District Epidemiologist Dr Sumeet Singh said seven water samples were collected from the area and sent to the lab. “Chlorine tablets and ORS packets are being distributed in the affected area. We have asked residents to drink boiled water,” he added.

Samples collected

In all, seven water samples have been collected from Mohindra Colony. Chlorine tablets and ORS packets are being distributed in the affected area. We have asked residents to drink boiled water. Dr Sumeet Singh, District epidemiologist

Water tankers arranged

The civic body is already supplying potable water through tankers to residents of the affected area. Water samples have also been collected. Naman Marken, MC Joint Commissioner

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