Diarrhoea cases rise to 263 in Vijayawada, 427 water samples collected for testing

Even as diarrhoea cases at New Rajarajeswaripet in Vijayawada continued to rise on Saturday (September 13), staff from the Guntur Regional Laboratory of the Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) collected 427 water samples as part of spot testing. The samples were being tested for their values of PH, total dissolved solids, ammonical nitrogen, nitrites and electrical conductivity.

In the tests, water samples from Bore No. 1 and 2, New RR Peta, Reservoir Compound, showed traces of nitrites. Samples from two houses also had “light traces” of nitrites. This, however, is considered “general pollution.”

Meanwhile, samples collected from stored water in two houses opposite the storage water tank in the area were found to contain coliform bacteria (not to be confused with E.coli, a type of coliform bacteria). This, however, needs further confirmation. The test report is yet to be officially shared with the media.

According to lab officials, the ‘most probable number’ (MPN) of coliform bacteria was 20 in sample from one house while it was 15 in the sample collected from another house. MPN represents the number of coliform bacteria present in 100 ml of water. In the remarks section, the report mentioned that “water is not fit for drinking purposes”.

While it is E.coli bacteria that is considered to be harmful to health, drinking water should not have any traces of coliform bacteria, said an official, on the condition of anonymity. The official added that the diarrhoeal outbreak cannot be attributed to the presence of coliform bacteria alone.

“More reports have to come before we reach a conclusion,” the official said. Reports of more water samples, sent to the Institute of Preventive Medicine, are expected in 48 hours.

As the cases continued to rise, the number of beds in the classrooms of the Care and Share V.M.C. School to treat patients affected by diarrhoea and vomiting has been increased. As of 4 p.m. on Saturday, 263 cases have been reported from New Rajarajeswaripet, as per the district administration.

Out of them, 139 are undergoing treatment, and the rest have been discharged. All tiffin and tea stalls in the neighbourhood have been shut as a precautionary measure, and the people are being supplied mineral water for drinking purposes.

NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha, who visited the medical camp at the school on Saturday, assured the public that there was nothing to worry about and that all measures were being taken to prevent diarrhoea cases. People with diarrhoeal symptoms are being identified immediately through a door-to-door survey, he said, adding that the medical teams were also spreading awareness among people about hygienic practices. For assistance, people can call 91549 70454.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Ch. Babu Rao alleged that there have been around 500 diarrhoea cases and that the government was undermining the overall number. He also demanded that the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation release data about the number of complaints it has received regarding drinking water in the past few months and how many of them have been addressed.