In Himachal Pradesh, a diarrhoea outbreak has hit several villages, with 34 new cases reported in the Hamirpur district within the last 24 hours. This brings the total number of patients in the district to 286, according to Dr. R.K. Agnihotri, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). He shared this information with news agency PTI, stating that the new cases were detected by Thursday night.
Out of the 286 total cases, 14 patients are currently hospitalized, 193 have been discharged, and the remaining patients are being treated at home. The outbreak has affected 12 villages in the Gram Panchayats of Lamblu, Chamned, Gasota, Bafrin, and Pandher, which have a combined population of around 4,550 people.
A team from the health department has visited the affected areas to provide guidance and ensure that people take proper care. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has also taken an active interest in the situation. He has requested detailed reports on the outbreak and directed the health department to ensure there is no shortage of medicines and other necessary supplies.
The Chief Minister has also instructed the Jal Shakti Vibhag (Water Resources Department) to properly chlorinate all water sources to ensure clean and safe drinking water is available to the residents, aiming to prevent further spread of the disease.
This isn’t the first time Hamirpur has faced such an outbreak. In March this year, over 400 people were affected by diarrhoea, and it took the administration about 10 days to control the situation. Last year, in January, around 1,000 people in the Rangas area of Nadaun, which is also in Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s assembly constituency, were affected. The issue resurfaced in June, impacting 10 panchayats near Hamirpur town.
Symptoms of Diarrhoea:
- Belly cramps or pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Blood in the stool
- Mucus in the stool
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
Diarrhoea can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (like rotavirus), bacterial exposure (such as E. coli), and side effects of medications like antibiotics. Certain digestive disorders and specific food products can also trigger diarrhoea.
What to Do if You Have Diarrhoea?
Most diarrhoea cases clear up on their own within a couple of days without needing medical treatment. However, if the condition persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms like high fever, blood in the stool, or severe dehydration, it’s crucial to consult a doctor immediately.
Preventive Measures
To prevent the spread of diarrhoea, especially during an outbreak, it’s essential to:
- Drink clean and safe water.
- Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing.
- Properly cook and store food.
- Follow health department guidelines and advisories.
The health department’s ongoing efforts, along with public cooperation, are key to controlling and eventually stopping the outbreak in Hamirpur and surrounding areas. The government is working hard to ensure the affected villages receive the necessary medical support and clean water to safeguard the health of their residents.