E. Coli Confirmed in Gastroenteritis Outbreak in Kotli Hamlet, Rajouri ; Health and PHE Departments Conduct Joint Visit to Village Kotli

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

SHYAM SOOD 

RAJOURI JUNE 11:-More than 50 residents of the border hamlet Kotli-Bagla under the Manjakote Health Block recently fell ill due to a gastroenteritis outbreak. Of these, 11 were treated at the Associated Hospital, GMC Rajouri. Ten have been discharged, while one remains under treatment.
After reports on social media suggested the outbreak was caused by a mysterious disease, GMC Rajouri officials clarified that the cases were due to seasonal gastroenteritis.
On Tuesday (June 10), a district team led by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. M.L. Rana visited the affected area to assess the situation and oversee preventive measures. The CMO confirmed that samples collected from some patients tested positive for E. coli.
The team also collected water samples from a local bowli (natural spring), which residents had used before falling ill.
“Due to recent heavy rainfall, the bowli water was contaminated with fecal matter, leading to E. coli infection,” Dr. Rana said.
The visiting team included the District Health Officer (DHO), Block Medical Officer (BMO) Manjakote, Dr. Vikas (Medical Officer, PHC Kallar Chatyar), other medical officers, the NVBDCP team, Food Safety Officer, and senior officials from the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, including the Superintending Engineer (SE) and Executive Engineer (XEN).
“Medical teams provided essential medicines and supplies, and conducted health awareness activities in the village,” the CMO added. He also held a public meeting with the villagers to hear their concerns and promote community cooperation in containing the outbreak.
The first cases of gastroenteritis were reported on June 3, starting with two patients. Within two days, the number had risen to eight.
What Experts Say About E. Coli Infections
E. coli infections are caused by strains of Escherichia coli bacteria. Some harmful strains can cause gastroenteritis, which includes symptoms like watery diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. These are known as diarrheagenic E. coli.
While many strains of E. coli live harmlessly in the human gut, infections can occur when harmful strains are ingested, usually through contaminated food or water. E. coli can also cause infections in other parts of the body, such as the urinary tract, if the bacteria spread beyond the intestines.