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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Over 85 hospitalised in three UP districts after eating items prepared with 'kuttu ka atta'
Baghpat/Bijnor/Bulandshahr (UP) (PTI): Nearly 85 people including an additional district magistrate fell ill after consuming 'kuttu ka atta' (buckwheat flour) -- typically consumed during fasting rituals -- in Baghpat, Bijnor and Bulandshahr districts of Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Friday.
All affected individuals have been hospitalised, they said.
More than three dozen people fell ill after consuming buckwheat flour in various areas of Bulandshahr. All have been admitted to the district hospital, and their health is showing signs of improvement, an administrative official said on Friday.
Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dinesh Chandra said during Navratri, devotees observe a fast and consume 'falahaar' (light fruit-based meals without food grains) prepared using buckwheat flour.
A total of 39 individuals were admitted to the hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.
The SDM and the circle officer (CO) of police have met the patients and spoken with their family members.
The SDM said all the patients are now in good health. Their condition is gradually improving.
These individuals hail from various parts of the city. They informed officials that they had purchased the buckwheat flour from different locations, rather than from a single source, the SDM said.
He added that samples have been collected for testing, and further action will be initiated based on the results of the investigation.
In Baghpat district, more than 18 people including Additional District Magistrate (Judicial) Shiv Narayan Singh suffered from food poisoning after eating meals prepared with buckwheat flour during the Navratri.
According to officials, on Thursday evening, Shiv Narayan Singh, his associate Satish Kashyap, and several others consumed dishes made from buckwheat flour. Shortly afterwards, they began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, restlessness, and discomfort. As their condition deteriorated, they were all rushed to a hospital.
Nine members of a family from Kasimpur Khedi village, six people from Malakpur village, and two from Bawli village, also fell ill following consumption of items prepared with buckwheat flour and required medical attention.
The incidents have caused a stir within the health and food safety departments, and joint teams have initiated a probe into the cases.
Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety Department, DP Singh said efforts are underway to trace the source of the buckwheat flour.
He further said strict action would be taken against the shopkeeper who sold the flour. Additionally, samples are being collected from suspicious establishments for laboratory testing.
He emphasised that the sale of adulterated buckwheat flour in the market would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Currently, the condition of all patients is said to be stable. The administration has appealed to the public to consume only reliable and pre-packaged food products.
Meanwhile, in Bijnor district, around 30 people suffered symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea after consuming buckwheat flour on Thursday -- the first day of Navratri.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Kaushlendra Singh said approximately 30 people across Sikroda, Lahak Kala, Mohanpur, and Khairullapur (located in Mandawali and Najibabad), began vomiting on Thursday evening after consuming buckwheat flour preparations.
He said the majority of the affected persons were admitted to Samipur Hospital in Najibabad. Some patients also sought treatment at private hospitals.
The CMO said the situation is now under control.
The food department will collect samples from the shop in Najibabad that sold the buckwheat flour; following examination of these samples, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with regulations, officials said.
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