On Sunday, health authorities in Indore detected twenty new diarrhoea cases after screening over 9,000 residents amid an outbreak linked to contaminated drinking water. The city, often called the country’s cleanest, is now facing a serious public health concern.
Officials reported that health teams examined 9,416 individuals from 2,354 households in Bhagirathpura, the area most affected by the outbreak. The survey revealed twenty fresh cases. So far, six deaths have been confirmed in Bhagirathpura due to consumption of contaminated water. Residents, however, claim that the death toll may be as high as sixteen, including a six-month-old infant.
Since the outbreak began, 398 patients have been admitted to hospitals. Among them, 256 patients have recovered and been discharged. Currently, 142 patients are still under treatment, including eleven in intensive care units (ICUs).
Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Madhav Prasad Haasani stated that a team from the Kolkata-based National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (NIRBI) has arrived in Indore to investigate the crisis. NIRBI, affiliated with the Indian Council of Medical Research, is providing technical guidance to local health authorities to help contain the outbreak and prevent further casualties.
Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava had earlier reported ten deaths linked to the outbreak on January 2. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely, working alongside health experts and local officials to manage the crisis, provide treatment, and ensure safe drinking water for affected residents. Authorities have urged the public to follow health advisories and report any new cases promptly to prevent the spread of infection.
