In a distressing health emergency, at least 22 residents of Mhow town in Madhya Pradesh have fallen ill after allegedly consuming contaminated drinking water late Thursday. The affected areas include Patti Bazaar and Chandar Marg, where the outbreak has sparked widespread concern among local authorities and the community.
Hospitalizations and Symptoms
According to official reports, 9 of the affected individuals are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, while others are receiving care at home. Most of the patients are children, highlighting the vulnerability of younger populations in such crises. They were admitted after complaining of severe nausea and vomiting, symptoms that prompted immediate medical attention.
Medical Diagnosis and Response
Upon examination of blood samples, it was confirmed that the patients are suffering from jaundice. Doctors treating them have opined that contaminated water is the likely cause of this illness. In response, teams from the Mhow Cantonment Board and the health department have been swiftly deployed to Patti Bazaar and Motimahal areas for a primary survey to assess the extent of the contamination.
Sanitary superintendent of the Mhow Cantonment Board, Manish Agrawal, stated, "All patients were admitted after they complained of nausea and vomiting. The blood tests revealed jaundice, and we suspect contaminated water as the source. Our teams are on the ground conducting surveys."
Administrative Actions and Monitoring
Indore collector Shivam Verma visited Mhow to review the situation firsthand, emphasizing the administration's proactive stance. Chief medical health officer Dr. Madhav Hasani has instructed health department teams to remain deployed in the affected areas, with water samples being collected for thorough analysis.
Verma reassured the public after visiting patients at the hospital, saying, "The patients are under treatment, and the administration is closely monitoring the situation. Currently, no patient is in a critical condition." This statement aims to alleviate fears while underscoring the ongoing efforts to manage the crisis.
Death Reported Amidst Outbreak
In a tragic turn of events, a resident of Bhagirathpura, Badriprasad Litoria (63), died at a private hospital on Friday afternoon after battling for life for nearly a week. His family alleges that consuming contaminated drinking water in the locality led to his death.
Shailendra, the deceased's son, expressed his grief, stating, "My father was healthy before this. He fell ill after consuming water supplied in the area. We believe contaminated water killed him." However, the district administration has not officially attributed this death to diarrhoeal illness, indicating a need for further investigation.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
Congress state president Jitu Patwari has claimed that 27 people have died due to contaminated water in the region, adding a political dimension to the health crisis. This allegation underscores the potential scale of the issue and calls for urgent accountability and preventive measures.
The incident highlights critical gaps in water safety and public health infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh. As authorities continue their investigations and treatment efforts, residents are urged to exercise caution and report any similar symptoms promptly.
