Anantnag, July 20: Over fifty people have fallen ill due to a gastroenteritis outbreak in Anantnag district’s Trail village.
Medical teams have been dispatched to the area to counter the outbreak.
Gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. The symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, and cramps.
Experts indicate it is primarily spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person.
Ghulam Mohammad, a local resident, alleged that they have been fed contaminated water.
He said that the entire village of Trail has been affected and urged the concerned department to take necessary actions and provide relief to the people.
Dr. Zahoor Ahmad, Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Saller, told Rising Kashmir that the outbreak was reported on Friday evening. In response, a team of doctors, paramedics, and several ambulances were immediately sent to the local primary health center (PHC). Nearly 50 patients have been admitted to the local PHC.
“A number of other patients have been shifted to nearby Sub District Hospitals for further treatment. The situation is now under control, although new patients are still coming in for treatment,” Dr. Ahmad said.
He added that a team of microbiologists and other experts will visit the area to determine the exact cause of the outbreak. While it is suspected to be waterborne, a definitive conclusion will be reached after the team’s investigation.
An official from the Jal Shakti Department stated that tests have been conducted, and the medical team is working to determine the cause of the outbreak.
He said that a common pipe supplies water to the entire village, and a specific locality is particularly affected.
“We have set up a water tank in the area to provide supply until the results are received, and Jal Shakti Department employees are on the ground,” he added.
