Outbreak of gastroenteritis in Bangalore

Bangalore, Jan 31 : At least 200 people here have been admitted to various city hospitals over the last four days after they reported symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Unconfirmed reports have put the number of patients at 800.

The doctors are trying to find out the cause of the illness.

The people in the affected area have alleged that the water supplied to them for drinking is contaminated which could be the possible source of the infection.

"This is basically because of contaminated water. The quality of water is really bad and many of us have been affected," said Vidya, a patient.

According to some reports, the water supply of the city has been contaminated with sewage as water and sewage pipelines being old, run side by side.

The doctors fear that it could be possibly Cholera and directing patients to approach hospitals having facilities to treat them.

"Since the past two days, we have been facing problems. We came to a local hospital with complaints of lose motions, but it was declared that we might have cholera. Then, we moved to bigger hospital," said Priya, another patient.

Doctors have conducted bacterial tests but the results are awaited.

"Some medical officers have come from Kormangala area to find out the number of cases. They have been trying to trace the sources of infections but the entire action plan needs to be aggressive in view of the continuing epidemic. A large number of cases are coming," said Soumya, Chief medical officer, Saint Philomena Hospital.

Authorities are, however, investigating to find out the possibility of a foul play as experts claim that Bangalore receives pre-tested water.

ANI