Health Officials Launch Intensive Check-Ups in East Singhbhum Amid Diarrhoea Outbreak

Jamshedpur: Health officials have launched intensive health check-up drives across East Singhbhum district after 180 cases of diarrhoea were reported from across the 11 blocks since August.“Water samples were collected from 20 different places and were tested at the microbiology department of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital (MGMMCH). Of them, 14 were found contaminated,” district surveillance officer Dr Asad said on Saturday. “Water was contaminated after sewer water got mixed in it,” Asad added.While one person died of diarrhoea, all others recovered after receiving treatments at home and in hospitals.

“The deceased was a minor boy from Patamda who died due to delays in his treatment,” he said.Potka, Patamda, Boram, and Ghatsila blocks have reported the highest number of diarrhoea cases this year. Besides health camps, rapid response teams are also being affected in these blocks."We have provided necessary medicines and oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets to the villagers, and health teams are conducting health check-ups of the villagers in the affected villages and in the villages which are in the vicinity.

Locals have also been advised to drink boiled water, wash hands regularly and consume freshly cooked meals," Asad said.Health officials said people suffering from stomach cramps, vomiting, and loose motions have been advised to immediately consult a doctor at primary and community health centres in their respective blocks. Additionally, cleaning of the garbage, removal of stagnated rainwater, and sprinkling of bleaching powder have been undertaken on a war footing, they added.