Diarrhea Outbreak in Vasco: 149 Cases Reported, Water Contamination Suspected
Vasco, Goa: A significant health scare has emerged in the coastal town of Vasco, where nearly 149 suspected cases of diarrhea have been reported from the Prabhu Violetta residential building in Dabolim. The outbreak, which has raised serious concerns among residents and authorities alike, is suspected to be linked to possible water contamination from bore wells within the complex.
Authorities Take Immediate Action
In response to the alarming situation, the Mormugao deputy collector issued urgent directions to various authorities on Wednesday. "Health department is monitoring the situation. Residents of the building have been told what precautions they should be taking while using the water," stated deputy collector Bhagwant Karmali, emphasizing the proactive measures being implemented to contain the outbreak.
The crisis came to light after occupants filed a formal complaint at the Vasco police station on Tuesday, alleging that the water supply from the building's bore wells was polluted. "All the flats in the building receive supply of water from bore wells. We have reasons to believe that bore wells are infected," revealed one occupant, who noted that cases had been accumulating over four to five days before authorities were alerted as numbers multiplied.
Comprehensive Testing Underway
Multiple agencies have swung into action to investigate the source of contamination. The health department, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) have collected water samples from various points, including sumps, bore wells, and overhead storage tanks. "The laboratory reports are expected by March 28," said Dr. Tejan Lotlikar of the Cortalim primary health centre, who is closely involved in the investigation.
Dr. Lotlikar further explained that while complaints of overflowing sewerage chambers were received, he has ruled out the possibility of water contamination due to overflowing sewage at this stage. To ensure a thorough diagnosis, medical teams have also collected stool and blood samples from affected residents. "We have taken samples of stool and blood of the residents to rule out the outbreak of typhoid and other bacterial infections," he added, highlighting the comprehensive approach to identifying the pathogen responsible.
Water Supply Details and Precautions
According to the builder's report cited by authorities, residents of Prabhu Violetta building receive portable water from the Public Works Department (PWD), but its use is strictly limited to kitchen purposes. For all other domestic needs, including bathing and cleaning, they rely on bore well water, which is now under scrutiny as the potential source of the diarrhea outbreak.
The health department has issued specific guidelines to residents on water usage precautions, advising them to:
- Boil water before consumption or use for cooking
- Avoid using bore well water for drinking without proper treatment
- Maintain hygiene and report any further symptoms immediately
As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant, with regular updates promised to keep the public informed. The situation underscores the critical importance of water safety and prompt governmental response in preventing public health crises.
