Anantnag, July 23: The recent gastroenteritis outbreak in Saller and Qazigund areas of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has been brought under control, with no patients currently admitted as of Tuesday.
Health Department officials confirmed that the situation has significantly improved and that they are continuing efforts to ensure public safety.
A gastroenteritis outbreak was reported in Kewa village of Qazigund and Trial village of Anantnag, with 15 cases in Kewa village and 89 cases in Trial village.
Dr Zahoor Ahmad, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Saller, told Rising Kashmir that there are no patients admitted to the hospital for gastroenteritis following the outbreak of the disease a couple of days ago.
He said the health department has almost completely brought it under control and that no new cases have been admitted as of Tuesday.
“We have just received two patients, which is normal, and the situation has significantly improved. We have been able to control it completely. Today, the Commissioner Secretary of Information visited PHC Saller and assessed the situation,” BMO Saller said.
Similarly, in Qazigund village, Kewa, a health official said that after the outbreak, no new cases have been admitted or reported as gastroenteritis on Tuesday. The village was affected by the outbreak, with almost 15 people affected at the beginning of this week.
Health department vehicles equipped with public announcement systems were seen advising people to keep their surroundings clean, use boiled water, and wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as stomach flu, is an infection of the digestive system characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever. It can spread rapidly through contaminated food or water, as well as through person-to-person contact.
Most cases of gastroenteritis are mild and resolve on their own within a few days with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. However, severe cases may require medical attention, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Prevention of gastroenteritis involves practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, particularly before eating and after using the restroom. It is also important to ensure the proper preparation and storage of food to avoid contamination.
