Qazigund: At least 15 people are suffering from gastroenteritis in Kewa village of South Kashmir’s Qazigund, according to officials.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kulgam, Dr. Saba Wani, reported that 15 cases of gastroenteritis have been identified in the area.
"Among them, two individuals are currently admitted at PHC Qazigund and are expected to be discharged soon," Dr. Wani stated. She added, "I personally visited PHC Qazigund; all patients are in stable condition."
Dr. Wani urged people to boil water for at least twenty minutes before use and maintain cleanliness, especially around water bodies.
Regarding the recent deaths of a mother and daughter in the village, Dr. Wani clarified that their deaths were not due to gastroenteritis but were caused by other underlying health conditions, including cancer and kidney failure.
Gastroenteritis is caused by various pathogens, including viruses (such as norovirus or rotavirus), bacteria (like E. coli or Salmonella), or parasites. Gastroenteritis is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water, or close contact with infected individuals.
Meanwhile, Rafiq Ahmad Bhat, Assistant Executive Engineer of Jal Shakti, division Qazigund, assured that the water supply from Jal Shakti in the area is safe to use and there is no need for concern.
"We are supplying drinking water through our scheme, which is suitable for human consumption," he said.
"The water supply is also reaching other villages, where no similar cases have been reported."
He also mentioned that some residents are using tubewell water, and continuous testing of the water supply is being conducted. Additional water samples from tubewells have been sent for analysis.
Earlier, nearly 100 cases of diarrhoea were reported in the Srigufwara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Moreover, several protests were reported in Valley against the supply of contaminated water.
(KNO Inputs)