17 more diarrhoea patients surface

In a fresh outbreak of diarrhoea, about 120 labourers were reported ill at a labour colony on Pakhowal Road. Some of the patients were serious and 17 new patients were reported on Monday, of which one was referred to Lord Mahavira Civil Hospital.

Nearly 2,000 workers lived in shanties near the construction site of an upcoming mall and they had no access to medical aid. The source of water is from submersible pumps and water tankers. Dirty water was also found accumulated nearby. The health department has asked the construction site managers to clean the area.

A worker, who had come for treatment at a health camp, said, “We have no medical facility as such. The area is isolated and if we need something we have to move to the city areas. The owners should arrange medical camps from time to time.”

A 10-member medical team from community health centre, Sahnewal, was deputed to hold a medical camp in the area. Regional medical officer from Thakerwal Dr Navdeep Sharma was also on the spot with his team.

Dr Navdeep said that main cause of the outbreak was unhealthy eating habits with possibility of water contamination. Dr Navdeep said, “A patient Jhajj Mal came to me on Monday who got fainted because of excessive dehydration. I came to know that he ate chicken on Sunday night which was not cooked properly.” Many patients were taken ill after having non-vegetarian food on Independence Day, added Dr Sharma.

The patients were being examined in one of the flats in the area. Health teams conducted house to house surveys and made people aware about hygienic conditions. ORS packets and chlorine tablets were also distributed. District epidemiologist Dr Anil Verma also visited the area on Monday. He said that situation was under control, but the camp would continue for a few more days. Maintenance wing of the construction company has been asked to supply chlorinated water regularly.