Diarrhoea outbreak in Gurla contained

MT Krishnababu, Special Chief Secretary of the Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare, has announced that the diarrhoea outbreak in Gurla mandal of Vizianagaram district, has been effectively contained thanks to the quick actions taken by the Medical and Health Department and local healthcare personnel. “The immediate steps taken by our medical teams have been instrumental in mitigating the situation,” Krishnababu stated. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of various health officials and local authorities.
Following instructions from the Minister of Health and Medical Affairs, Satyakumar Yadav, Health Director Dr Padmavathi was dispatched to the district to oversee the response. “Our priority is to monitor the health of the residents and prevent further cases,” she said. The Health Commissioner was also sent to the district on Sunday, and a special team of local doctors has been assembled to investigate the outbreak’s causes and prepare a comprehensive report. Initial tests on drinking water samples revealed contamination, which local officials attributed to open defecation practices and leaking water supply pipes.
“We are implementing significant measures to prevent water pollution. Clean drinking water is being supplied to affected areas through tankers,” Krishnababu said. Severe cases of diarrhoea, particularly those involving dehydration, have been transferred to nearby hospitals. A door-to-door survey was conducted to identify and treat suspected cases at free medical camps.
The outbreak first emerged on October 13 with a single reported case. The situation escalated quickly, with 55 new cases on October 14, 65 on October 15, 40 on October 16, 32 on October 17, and eight on October 18. Only one new case was reported on Saturday.