Indian Express 12.04.2010
Cholera outbreak? 10 cases in Panchkula
Nainu Rohtaki Punia Tags : civic, Cholera, health Posted: Monday , Apr 12, 2010 at 0259 hrs
Cholera seems to be making a comeback in Panchkula — 10 cases have been reported in the last few days.
“Though giving the exact figures will not be possible, there have been cases of suspected cholera in the district,” District Health Officer Dr Jagmal Singh said. “All necessary steps are being taken and pamphlets are being distributed to make people aware of the symptoms and the precautions they need to take.”
According to sources, more than 10 cases have been reported in the district and the number is growing. In 2009, four persons had died of cholera and diarrhoea and in 2008, seven deaths were reported.
Also, water samples from several sectors in the city have failed the test. While the health authorities are tight-lipped over the issue, a senior doctor in a city hospital said water samples from Sectors 4, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 12 A have failed the test.
“After there were reports of contaminated water in a few areas, the Health department had conducted a survey,” Panchkula DC Ashima Garg told Newsline. “Soon, we will issue directions to the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) and the health authorities to take all precautions so that the disease does not spread in other areas of the district.”
The residents, meanwhile, say the health authorities and the district administration “wake up only after a few deaths take place due to the disease”.
No health official has visited our area and we haven’t been informed about the contaminated water, which many continue to drink,” Raj Kumar, a resident of Railly village, Sector 12 A, said. “The entire area stinks throughout the year and no official bothers to visit or get it cleaned. If the administration takes precautions in advance every year, several lives can be saved.”
Symptoms
* Abdominal cramps
* Dehydration
* Dry mouth and skin
* Vomiting
* Watery diarrhoea
* Low urine output
Prevention
* Drink boiled water or water treated with chlorine or iodine
* Eat properly cooked food and fruits that you have peeled yourself
* Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors
* Maintain proper sanitation system* Wash vegetables and fruits properly
