Bandipora, Aug 17: A gastroenteritis outbreak has affected 17 people in Bhat Mohalla, Malangam village in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, even as administration rushed health teams to assess the situation.
Health teams have been dispatched to the area to assess and manage the situation.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora, Dr. Rafi, confirmed the outbreak to Rising Kashmir, stating that the first cases were reported on August 15. “17 persons have been affected by mild to moderate gastroenteritis as of August 17. Fortunately, no fatalities have been recorded. Our medical teams are investigating the cause,” he said.
Dr. Rafi said that four water samples have been sent to the District Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) in Bandipora for analysis while no stool sample was taken due to the antibiotic intake by the affected patients. “We are awaiting the results to determine the source of the contamination,” he added.
In response to the outbreak, the health department Bandipora has issued an advisory urging residents to drink only boiled water. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets have been distributed among the affected households, and health workers are conducting door-to-door visits to identify any additional cases.
“The situation is under control, and the health department is closely monitoring the area. Local health teams have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance and report any further developments,” Dr. Rafi added, assuring that the necessary preventive measures are in place to contain the outbreak.
