Surveillance intensified as diarrhoeal cases rise

Health authorities have intensified surveillance and containment measures after a rise in cases of acute diarrhoeal illness in several localities of the district. Dozens of residents fell ill over the past week, prompting expanded preventive and treatment efforts.

Medical officers said patients reported diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration. The first clusters emerged in densely populated neighbourhoods. Officials then extended monitoring to nearby areas.

District Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar urged residents not to believe rumours circulating on social media. He said only one death has been officially linked to the illness so far. Authorities are examining other reported fatalities. “The government is closely tracking the situation, and response measures have been strengthened,” he said.

The administration temporarily suspended the municipal piped water supply in affected pockets. It arranged safe drinking water through tankers. More than 50 medical teams began field visits. Secretariat staff, ASHA workers, and ANMs conducted door-to-door surveys. They screened residents, identified new cases, and shared preventive guidance.

Government hospitals and primary health centres created dedicated wards and rehydration units. The health department deployed additional staff and ambulances. Officials said that till Wednesday, 13 patients recovered and left hospitals.

Preliminary assessments suggest possible contamination of the local water network. Teams collected water samples for testing. Engineers inspected pipelines and distribution points. Authorities increased chlorination as a precaution.

Public health experts warned that rapid dehydration can be dangerous. They said children, older adults, and people with pre-existing conditions face higher risk. Doctors stressed early treatment, especially oral rehydration therapy. They advised residents with persistent symptoms to seek immediate care.

MLA Gundu Shankar toured the affected areas and reviewed the situation. He visited patients at Simman Hospital in Dammalaveedhi and RIMS Hospital. He instructed municipal authorities to intensify sanitation drives, clear drainage channels, and ensure a safe drinking water supply.

Authorities reiterated that the situation remains under control. They advised residents to drink boiled and cooled water, maintain hygiene, and cooperate with field teams. Surveillance will continue until case numbers stabilise.