Contaminated water sickens residents in Kotli Bagla, Rajouri; 8 Under Treatment at AH GMC.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHYAM SOOD

*GMC Rajouri team
to probe Gastroenteritis Outbreak*

RAJOURI JUNE 06:-A case of gastroenteritis has been reported from Kotli hamlet in Bagla Panchayat, located near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keri sector of Rajouri district.
Several residents have fallen ill, with eight individuals currently undergoing treatment at the Associated Hospital, Government Medical College (AH GMC), Rajouri.
According to available information, a few others in the same locality experienced mild symptoms and received medical attention on the spot from a visiting team of doctors.
The outbreak has been linked to the consumption of contaminated water. It was reported that on Tuesday, two people initially fell ill, and within the last 36 hours, the number increased to eight. All patients are being treated at AH GMC Rajouri.
The affected individuals initially complained of diarrhoea, followed by symptoms of dehydration. While most are stable, one person has been admitted to the ICU due to a more serious condition. However, doctors remain optimistic about the patient’s recovery.
On Wednesday, a special team from the health department visited the area, provided treatment, and conducted an awareness campaign among residents.
According to the visiting team, the drinking water in the locality is sourced from a natural spring (bawli), which appears to have been contaminated by dirty runoff during recent rains. This is currently suspected to be the cause of the outbreak.
Doctors have also collected samples from all drinking water sources in the area. The exact cause of the illnesses will be confirmed once lab reports are available.
At present, doctors have reassured the public that none of the patients are critically ill. However, as a precaution, residents have been advised to boil water before consumption and ensure it is clean.
The health department and district administration are closely monitoring the situation and have urged the public to consume only safe and hygienic drinking wAter.
— Meanwhile, the Department of Community Medicine at GMC Rajouri has constituted a medical team to investigate gastroenteritis outbreak.
The team will visit the affected area to collect necessary samples and raise awareness among locals. It comprises Dr. Tanisa (Resident Doctor, Microbiology), Dr. Manjeet (Resident Doctor, DNB General Medicine), Dr. Umar Maqbool (Resident Doctor, PSM), Dr. Umer Mushtaq (Resident Doctor, PSM), Sehaj Mahajan (Biotechnology Technician, Microbiology), Asif Ahmed (Medical Social Worker, PSM), and Shrutika Khajuria (Health Educator, PSM).
Dr. Shuja Qadri, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, confirmed that the team of medical experts is actively investigating the root cause of the gastroenteritis outbreak.