Urban News

Contaminated water supply was the main reason behind the spread of epidemic in Lohgarh village of Zirakpur as two of the total five water samples taken from the affected areas have failed the purity test.

Taking note of the problem, the Health department has asked the Zirakpur Municipal Council to restrict the tap water supply to the affected areas till the contamination was not checked and supply of clean water was not ensured. Also, more samples were taken to check the quality of water from other places as well.

With no let-up in the spread of epidemic, around 100 new patients with the symptoms of cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea, jaundice and other water-borne diseases reported at the medical camp organised by the Health department in the village on Monday. As another 100 patients were under treatment at various hospitals and clinics, the total figure of ill persons has reached 400.

Senior Medical Officer Dr Rajeev Bhalla, who headed the medical camp, said 22 of 100 new patients were showing the symptoms of typhoid. Their blood samples were sent for testing. “After two of five water samples testing negative, more samples of drinking water were being collected from different sources to check quality,” said SMO.

‘Situation under control’
Taking stock of the epidemic on Monday, Mohali Deputy Commissioner Prabhjot Singh Mand claimed that the situation was under control. Chairing a meeting of the Health, Water Supply and Sanitation department officials in Mohali, Mand issued instructions to treat the ill persons and ensure supply of clean potable water.

Meanwhile, District Planning Committee Chairman N K Sharma visited the village and assured immediate necessary steps to control the epidemic.