Water contamination: Audit links 15 deaths to diarrhoea outbreak in Indore

An official audit has indicated that 15 of the 21 reported deaths in Bhagirathpura may be linked to a recent outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea in the area, authorities said on Tuesday.

The outbreak, triggered by contaminated drinking water, has affected hundreds in the locality of Indore, which is otherwise known as one of India’s cleanest cities. Five new diarrhoea cases were reported on Tuesday, all patients receiving treatment at local health centres, said Indore Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani .

So far, the administration has officially confirmed six deaths due to the outbreak, though residents claim that 23 people, including a six-month-old infant, have died. A committee of senior doctors from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College was tasked with analysing the fatalities and submitted an audit report to the district administration. District Magistrate Shivam Verma said the report suggested that 15 deaths could be linked to the diarrhoea outbreak, while the remaining cases had other or undetermined causes.

“All the deaths in Bhagirathpura are very sad, regardless of the cause. We are consoling the affected families and providing financial assistance,” Verma said. So far, the district administration has disbursed Rs 2 lakh each to 18 families impacted by the outbreak.

Since the outbreak began on December 29 , a total of 436 patients have been admitted to hospitals. Of these, 403 have recovered and been discharged. Currently, 33 patients remain hospitalized, with eight in intensive care units, the CMHO added.

The Indore administration continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to avoid consuming untreated water, use water filters or boil drinking water, and follow proper hygiene precautions.