It is not gastroenteritis, but cholera that has taken Ghoda village of Viramgam in its grip. Earlier, it was believed that gastroenteritis had claimed four lives in Ghoda.
One more patient succumbed to cholera on Monday taking the toll to five in the last three days. Seventeen more people complained of vomiting and diarrhoea.
Village sarpanch claimed that the laboratory reports of samples
collected from both the wells reveal that water of both the wells is not fit for drinking. However, health officials denied having received any such report.
The health department, which had long suspected it to be a cholera outbreak, had its doubts confirmed when out of three samples two were found to be positive for cholera.
"Three samples were sent for testing to BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad. Of this two turned positive for cholera," said Dr NJ Patel, chief district health officer of Ahmedabad.
He said as per the rules, even if a single sample out of 100 is found to be cholera positive, the entire episode is declared as cholera.
"So the administration has started the process of declaring Ghoda as an area under cholera threat," said Patel. The latest casualty in the cholera outbreak was identified as Kantaben (70), who died early on Monday morning.
Besides, one more patient was reported serious and referred to the civil hospital in Ahmedabad as her condition deteriorated.
When DNA Correspondent visited the spot, the health officials informed that 17 more patients were given OPD and indoor treatment in the village. However, later on they declared that only 10 new patients were registered on Monday.
According to district health department officials, seven patients were referred to various hospitals in Viramgam including Gandhi Hospital and other private hospitals.
The state administration has swung into action in the last couple of days.
State minister for water supply and water resources, Nitin Patel, in-charge secretary of Ahmedabad district, VS Gadhvi, and the Rapid Response Team of BJ Medical College visited the affected area on Monday.
Local MLA Kamabhai Rathod has been camping in the village for three days.
Meanwhile, the contamination of water in both the village wells located within a distance of one kilometre has left the
administration and politicians baffled. Rathod said he does not know what led to the situation.
"I smell something foul, but nothing can be said till the water sample reports arrive," he said. It should be noted that the village people do not use borewell water for drinking.
