16 people affected with diarrhoea, Sovan visits hospital

Kolkata: Sixteen people with symptoms of acute diarrhoea have been admitted to Baghajatin Hospital on Saturday.

Around 269 people living in Wards 101, 102 and 110 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) respectively have been affected, said Debabrata Majumdar, Member, Mayor-In-Council.

Of them, 16 were admitted to Baghajatin Hospital and a child was admitted to the Institute of Child Health (ICH).

The affected areas included Bahudur Math, Breeja, Kamarpara and Chittaranjan areas.

Those affected complained of acute stomach ache coupled with nausea and fever. They started pouring in at the Baghajatin Hospital and health centres with deteriorating conditions.

The others were treated and discharged. Senior civic officials of KMC's health department visited the spot and distributed ORS solution and Halogen tablets among the affected families.

Mayor Sovan Chatterjee visited the hospital and inquired about the health conditions of those who had been admitted. He said samples of drinking water have been collected from the affected areas and sent for examination. There is a rumour in the area that because of leaks in the underground main sewer, the water got mixed with drinking water.

Chatterjee, however, said the cause of the disease is yet to be ascertained. He said steps have been taken and doctors of the KMC's health department are monitoring the situation.

Rinku Naskar, CPI(M) Councillor of Ward 102 said it receives water from Jai Hind Water Scheme and Garden Reach Water Station.

She said people had complained of stomach ache since Friday night. She added that the KMC is trying to find out the cause of the spread of the disease.