Indore contaminated water: Toll rises to 17 as retired police officer succumbs, 20 new cases detected, collector visits Bhagirathpura area
The death toll from drinking contaminated water in Bhagirathpura, Indore, has risen to 17. The figure stood at 16 until Sunday. The latest victim was Om Prakash Sharma (69), a retired police officer originally from Shiv Vihar Colony, Dhar. He had come to Indore to visit his son. He was admitted to the hospital on January 1st due to vomiting and diarrhoea.
His condition worsened, and he was admitted to the ICU on January 2nd. Two days later, he was put on a ventilator. He died on Sunday afternoon at 1 PM. His family members said that he only suffered from high blood pressure. His kidneys were damaged due to the contaminated water. After that, his condition did not improve.
Meanwhile, at Bombay Hospital, 11 patients were admitted to the ICU, of whom 4 have been shifted to the general ward. As of Sunday night, 7 patients are still receiving treatment in the ICU. A total of 398 patients have been admitted to hospitals so far, of whom 256 have been discharged. Currently, 142 patients are undergoing treatment in various hospitals.
20 new cases detected
On January 4th, the health department surveyed 2354 houses in the affected area. 9416 people were examined, and 20 new cases were detected. Follow-up was conducted on 429 existing patients. CMHO Dr. Madhav Hasani stated that five ambulances have also been deployed in the area.
Collector along with officials reach Bhagirathpura area
Meanwhile, Collector Shivam Verma and the newly appointed Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal arrived in the Bhagirathpura area with the municipal staff. There, they obtained information from officials of the concerned departments regarding the measures being taken to control the waterborne disease outbreak in the Bhagirathpura area. They also advised the local residents to be vigilant about their health. They interacted with the residents and assured them that there was no need to panic. The administration is continuously working in coordination with various departments to ensure that the residents of the Bhagirathpura area receive clean drinking water.
Collector Verma said that work is being done at the micro-level to ensure that the residents of the Bhagirathpura area receive clean water, and that the borewells also provide clean water. This work is also being monitored. The Municipal Corporation, Health Department, Public Health Engineering Department, and various non-governmental organizations are collaborating in this effort.
Collector Verma said that the administration is working on three levels to treat the citizens affected by contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area. Individuals affected by waterborne diseases in the Bhagirathpura area are being admitted to hospitals for treatment. The administration has arranged for their free treatment. Necessary medicines and injections are being provided free of charge to those affected. Collector said that due to the continuous efforts of the administration, the number of affected people is steadily decreasing, but the administration remains fully vigilant.