Diarrhoea outbreak: 75 persons admitted at Guntur Hospital; officials testing water quality

Guntur: As many as 75 persons suffering from diarrhoea were admitted to the Guntur hospital in the last three days. On Monday, minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare Vidadala Rajini visited the government hospital to check on the patients.

According to the special chief secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, MT Krishna Babu, in the last three days, many cases of people undergoing severe vomiting and diarrhoea have been registered in parts of the district.

“The areas from where the cases have come have at least 23,000 families. Every family is being checked and given medical tests. Other affected persons have been asked to immediately report to the nearby primary health care centres,” said Krishna Babu.

According to officials, most of the cases reported are from three particular areas within the city in proximity to the drinking water reservoirs. Samples of water consumed have been sent for testing and so far fluorine content in the water is at a normal level. A complete test report will be ready by Tuesday.

The minister said that a door-to-door survey is being conducted with 32 members to know the exact reasons for the ill health.

Meanwhile, out of the 460 students staying at the Dr BR Ambedkar Gurukulam Draksharamam, 52 students are showing mild symptoms of diarrhoea.

A local medical officer established a medical camp and treated the children. Eight children have been referred to the area hospital in Ramachandrapuram and are being examined by a paediatrician. They are said to be stable and recovering.