VALPOI
About 45 people from Charavane-Sattari have taken ill since the past few days, even as local health authorities remain unclear over the nature and cause of their illness.
According to sources, a number of people have complained of vomiting, stomach ache and diarrhoea since the last few days.
Confirming the situation, Valpoi CHC Health Officer Dr Gajanan Naik told The Goan that five patients were admitted to the health centre, while 40 others were being checked in the OPD.
“A team from the Manipal Centre for Virus Research have collected samples like blood, saliva, stool and urine and have sent them for tests at the Manipal University in Udupi. The results are awaited,” said Dr Naik.
“Some of the patients are admitted at the CHC, while most of them were sent home after treatment. But there is nothing to worry as all patients are recovering,” Dr Naik added.
Taking no chances, a team of doctors from the Valpoi CHC visited Charavane village on Monday and inspected the site.
“Water samples from the well from which villagers had consumed water were also collected and sent for analysis. A report on the water samples is expected on Tuesday,” Dr Naik told The Goan.
As part of precautionary measures, Dr Naik said the villagers were advised to stop consuming water from wells and the assistant engineer of water supply department was alerted of the situation.
“Some people have suspected contamination in water bodies and samples have been collected to analyse the exact cause,” said Ganesh Gaonkar, junior engineer at the water supply section said.
With health officials advising people to avoid well water for potable purposes, Gaonkar said water tankers from the Dabose Water Treatment Plant are being dispatched to the affected area.
According to some sources, a religious function had taken place eight days ago and some people had fallen ill after consuming a particular dish from an outlet which was served at the function.
