A significant health emergency has emerged in Kakkanad, Kochi, where over 100 residents of the DLF New Town Heights Flats have fallen ill after consuming contaminated water. The State Health Department has swiftly stepped up measures to address the situation, with several children and elderly residents being treated at hospitals with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.
In the last two weeks, 441 individuals have reported symptoms related to the contamination, prompting the health department to take immediate action.
Health Department also officials reportedly conducted water quality tests and found the presence of E.coli bacteria at levels above the permissible limit, as reported by Mathrubhumi. This contamination is suspected to be the cause of the widespread illness among the residents.
Following an announcement by the Minister of Health about the outbreak of symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, and vomiting among the residents, an urgent online Rapid Response Team (RRT) meeting was held at 10 am under the leadership of the State Surveillance Unit. A health department team visited the flat complex to inspect and identify the various sources of water supply, which include: Kerala Water Authority, Borewell, Openwell, Rainwater Harvesting and Tanker Lorry (Private Agent).
ALSO READ: YSRCP MP's Daughter Held In Fatal Hit-And-Run Case, Released On Bail
The team is working to find out the exact source of the contamination and implement measures to prevent further health risks.
Temporary measures have been put in place to provide safe drinking water to the residents, and health officials are continuously monitoring the situation.
Earlier, five people died and 100 people were hospitalised after consuming contaminated water at a temple fair in Tumakuru.