Andhra Pradesh government takes action to control diarrhoea outbreak in Vizianagaram district
In response to a diarrhoea outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of four individuals in Gurla mandal, approximately 20 km from the Vizianagaram district headquarters; the Andhra Pradesh government has implemented a series of measures aimed at controlling the situation.
Authorities have ordered the closure of open bore wells in the village after the rural water supply and health departments identified contaminated water as the primary cause of the outbreak, which has hospitalised nearly 140 people. Those affected are receiving treatment at a special medical camp established in the village.
Uma Shankar, the Superintending Engineer of the Rural Water Supply department, stated that water samples from five private bore wells have been collected and sent to laboratories for testing. "We expect to receive the reports within a few days. The department will take necessary actions to ensure the supply of purified water in all other areas to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases," he said.
To address the immediate needs of the residents, purified water in cans is being distributed to all households, alongside a special sanitation drive. Officials are also distributing packets of bleaching powder to help purify water at home, and all fish and meat shops in the village and surrounding areas have been closed as a precautionary measure.
District Medical and Health Officer Bhaskara Rao informed the media that patients are advised not to return home immediately, as they require observation for a few more days. "The number of cases has increased from an initial 80 to 140. However, the situation is now under control," he noted, emphasizing that diarrhoea is communicable, which necessitates continued monitoring.
D.V.G. Sankara Rao, Chairperson of the A.P. State ST Commission and a medical professional, urged district officials to maintain the medical camp for an additional week to ensure complete normalcy in the village. He engaged with senior medical staff to inquire about the treatment being administered to patients. District Collector B.R. Ambedkar has also submitted a detailed report to the government outlining the measures taken to restore normalcy in the affected village.
Meanwhile, Vizianagaram Zilla Parishad Chairperson Majji Srinivasa Rao recommended extending the special sanitation drive to all villages, as reports of waterborne diseases have emerged in multiple locations.
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Kohli's U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill dies at 36
New Delhi (PTI): Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets.
He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season, and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.
"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab,” the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.
"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."
Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.
"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.
In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.
However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity,” Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.
