The number of suspected typhoid cases linked to a contaminated water pipeline in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar has risen to 108, after 18 new patients were admitted on Monday, health authorities said, even as they stressed that the situation was now under control.
Two patients undergoing treatment at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital died on Monday, but officials clarified that neither death was related to the suspected typhoid outbreak.
Medical Superintendent of Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, Dr Meeta Parikh, said that of the 108 suspected cases currently admitted, 50 patients have tested positive in the Widal test, while 25 have been discharged after treatment. Blood culture tests are being conducted to confirm active infections, including for the two deceased patients.
“The two deaths were due to other medical causes and are not linked to typhoid,” Dr Parikh said at a press conference.
The outbreak was reported from Sectors 24 and 28 and the Adivada area of Gandhinagar, and was traced to a leak in a drinking water pipeline, which authorities said has since been fully repaired.
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Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Gandhinagar MP, is closely monitoring the situation and conducted an early morning review with officials.
“The water contamination issue has been completely resolved. A total of 367 water samples were collected yesterday and all reports were satisfactory,” Sanghavi said, adding that 22 doctors, including five MD specialists, have been deployed to manage the situation.
Health teams have intensified surveillance and treatment efforts, with round-the-clock outpatient departments started in the affected localities. Food arrangements have also been made for attendants of hospitalised patients.
According to the government, 75 health teams have surveyed over 20,800 households, covering more than 90,000 people. As a preventive measure, 30,000 chlorine tablets and over 20,600 ORS packets have been distributed, while awareness drives urging residents to boil water and avoid outside food are underway.
Officials said “super chlorination” of water supplies has been accelerated and all identified pipeline leakages have been repaired.
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