Srikakulam Diarrhoeal Outbreak: One Dead, 70+ Hospitalised

Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana on Wednesday visited affected neighbourhoods in Srikakulam town after a sudden outbreak of acute diarrhoeal illness claimed one life and hospitalised more than 70 residents.

During his visit to Dammalaveedhi and Kandriveedhi, he met families, assessed local conditions, and assured them of government support. “The government stands firmly with you. Please remain calm and take precautions, especially by consuming only boiled water,” he said.

Meanwhile, District Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar confirmed that officials have identified 76 suspected cases so far. “At present, 54 patients are undergoing treatment at various hospitals, including KIMS. Sadly, one death involving comorbidities has been reported,” he stated.

The deceased, M. Suresh, aged over 50, lived in Dammalaveedhi. “Additionally, doctors have placed two patients on ventilator support, and medical teams are closely monitoring their condition,” the Collector added.

At the same time, officials emphasised that authorities have the situation under control. Health teams promptly collected water samples from the affected areas and forwarded them for testing in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam. “Preliminary analysis by the local laboratory has not indicated contamination. However, we are awaiting detailed reports from Visakhapatnam,” an official explained. Authorities also clarified that the municipality had supplied drinking water through overhead storage tanks.

In response to the outbreak, medical teams established special health camps across the town. Furthermore, the State government announced that it would cover treatment expenses for patients admitted to private hospitals. Most cases have emerged from Kaki Veedhi, Dammala Veedhi, Gudi Veedhi, Kandra Veedhi, and Manguvari Thota.

However, residents voiced concerns about possible infrastructure damage. Many locals suspect that recent road expansion works may have disrupted underground pipelines. “We fear that drainage water may have entered drinking water lines,” a resident said. Consequently, the district administration launched an investigation into the suspected cause.

Following a review, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to conduct a detailed inquiry into potential pipeline leakages. He also ordered the suspension of municipal water supply in affected zones, tanker-based distribution, and intensified chlorination drives. “Ensure the best possible treatment for all patients,” he instructed.

Separately, Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed concern, called for an immediate inquiry, and urged the deployment of senior medical specialists.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid municipal tap water, drink only boiled water, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.