VALPOI
The medical report of the water samples, which were collected from the two tributaries in Shelpe village in Sattari taluka, has stated that the main cause for outbreak of sickness in Shelpe was due to contamination of water from the
tributaries.
There was fear among the villages following sudden outbreak of sickness like stomachache in the village for last 15 days. The officials of the health department collected water samples from the two tributaries in the village, while Manipal Virus Research Center collected blood and stool samples from the patients.
On Thursday, both the reports stated that the water from tributaries was found to be contaminated and ‘Shigella Bacteria' was found in the blood and stool samples.
According to officials from the Manipal Virus Research Center, this bacteria is found in contaminated water due to open defecation. When a person comes in contact with this water, he will suffer from sickness like stomachache, loose motions, vomitting. For the last 15 days, over 20 patients were admitted in Community Health Center (CHC) Valpoi, while some were treated by private doctors.
Speaking to The Goan, CHC health officer Dr Gajanan Naik said water samples from the tributaries were found to be contaminated, which cannot be used for drinking and even for washing of clothes.
"There was outbreak of sickness at Shelpe. Earlier, it was found be a general sickness but increase in number of patients created panic in the village and the officials of health department and PWD (water supply division) conducted a special visit and took precautionary measures," said Dr Naik.
"The villagers were also made aware not to use water from the tributaries and they were supplied water by the water tankers," he added.
"Now, the water from the tributaries is found to be contaminated, while ‘Shigella Bacteria' is found in blood and stools samples, which were collected and analysed by Manipal Virus Research Center," said Dr Naik.
