A suspected gastroenteritis outbreak in Biranur village of Shahapur taluk in Yadgir district has left 57 residents ill, with medical professionals attributing the illness to the consumption of contaminated water sourced from an open well.
Cause of the Outbreak
The issue emerged after a motor that supplied drinking water to the Harijan ward reportedly malfunctioned, compelling residents to rely on a nearby well. Villagers claimed that drinking the contaminated water resulted in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Medical Response and Recovery
Affected individuals received treatment at the Hattigudur primary health centre and other medical facilities, and they have since recovered. An ASHA worker, who conducted a survey of 37 out of the 140 houses in the area, reported that 57 residents had become ill.
Official Actions Taken
Taluk health officer Dr. Ramesh Guttedar stated that water samples were collected and dispatched to a forensic laboratory for testing. Residents were advised to refrain from consuming water from the open well, and alternative drinking water arrangements were made. He added that medicines and additional staff were deployed at the village sub-health centre, and an ambulance was kept on standby, emphasizing that there was no immediate cause for concern.
Allegations of Negligence
The outbreak has sparked allegations of administrative negligence. Villagers claimed that officials only visited the village after several days, despite residents falling ill, and blamed poor implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission works for the crisis. Village leaders Mounesh Birur and Ravikumar Dandambali alleged that the health department and gram panchayat failed to respond promptly, even though villagers remained ill for four days.
