Yamunanagar, September 9
A girl has died and more than 60 persons, mostly children, have been affected by diarrhoea at Saran village, about 25 km from here, since yesterday.
Villagers complained of diarrhoea yesterday morning and six of them were rushed to the Primary Health Centre, Mustafabad. In all 15 persons have been admitted to the centre.
Eight-year-old Priya, daughter of Rakesh Kumar, yesterday complained of loose motions and vomiting. She died yesterday afternoon.
A majority of the families have been affected by the epidemic and the worst-affected pocket in the village is Harijan Majri. Villagers have also complained of fever.
Villagers alleged that the epidemic had resulted due to contaminated water. There are hardly any civic amenities in the village. They alleged that the administration was apathetic towards them and if appropriate action had been taken earlier, the situation could have been tackled.
They said on September 7 the colour of the drinking water they received was black, and probably this was the main reason for the epidemic.
Dr Sandeep, who is monitoring the situation at the health centre, said 15 persons had been admitted to the centre, while medicines had been distributed to 30 others.
Dr R. K. Jain, Civil Surgeon, said a team of doctors was sent to the village yesterday. He said 10 samples of water had been taken by the District Health Officer and sent to Karnal for testing.
He said all precautionary measures had been taken in the village and the situation was under control. Dr Jain said medicines had been distributed among the villagers. He suggested to the villagers to drink boiled water. Officers of the Public Health Department have also gone to the village to collect water samples.
