Waterborne gastroenteritis outbreak strikes Gandarbal
Srinagar: A gastroenteritis outbreak has triggered panic in Gandarbal district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with over 100 people, including women and children, from just one locality hospitalized in the past two days.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the affected people from Rayil, Gund area of Kangan are suffering from symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Locals attribute the outbreak to contaminated water supplied by the relevant department from an uncovered reservoir, which is sometimes exposed to animal contamination. A team of doctors from Kangan visited the affected village, providing medical assistance and educating residents on precautions.
Assistant Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Kangan, Shabir Ahmad, confirmed that water samples have been collected, but no adverse results have been reported yet. He denied allegations that the water reservoir is left open and assured that chlorine is regularly added to the water before supply. Water tankers have been made available in the affected areas.
The situation is being closely monitored, and further test results are awaited to contain the outbreak.
