A suspected outbreak of E. coli bacteria has left over 300 residents, including 25 children, suffering from vomiting and diarrhea in a 15-tower residential complex at Southern State of India, Kerala. Health officials believe the contamination of drinking water to be the culprit.
The incident has affected nearly all 1,000 flats in the compound. “The contamination of the drinking water is suspected to be the main reason behind the outbreak. We will have a clearer idea once the health department’s test results are in.”
The complex has one Kerala Water Authority (KWA) connection, with additional water supplied through tankers and a borewell. Officials suspect the borewell water may be contaminated.
Nikitha Joy, a resident , said, “I’ve been experiencing vomiting and diarrhea since yesterday. It’s being said the infection is due to E. coli bacteria.”
Health authorities are undertaking measures to clean and disinfect water tanks like double chlorination.”A team of doctors and health workers will arrive for health check-ups and to prescribe medicines,”
The suspected contamination might be linked to recent weather conditions. “The summer drought followed by sudden rain influx might have contaminated the borewell water. An investigation is needed to confirm.”
District Medical Officer stated, “A clear picture will emerge only after the test results of collected samples are received. We are also investigating the presence of other microbes.” Initial reports of E. coli contamination came from residents who had samples tested privately. Comprehensive testing will take 48 to 72 hours to identify all possible microbes.
Authority advised residents to drink only boiled water and assured that awareness efforts would be strengthened in the area to prevent further cases.
