Diarrhoea alert in Chandigarh

The diarrhoea outbreak in Mohali has set alarm bells ringing in Chandigarh.

The diarrhoea outbreak in Mohali has set alarm bells ringing in Chandigarh. This,after health officials said that over 90 cases of diarrhoea have been reported in the city,particularly from the slums and labour colonies. No case of cholera has been confirmed so far.

Diarrhoea,cholera and gastroenteritis are all linked to the intake of contaminated water. This explains why most diarrhoea and cholera cases are reported from the slums and colonies,which do not have regular tap water supply, said a health official,while adding that water samples are being checked to see if they meet quality standards.

Doctors say children are more susceptible to diarrhoea and dehydration because of their low immunity levels.

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Administering of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is the best way to tackle diarrhoea and dehydration. Care should be taken to ensure that drinking water is clean from all impurities, said a city-based doctor.

Adding that there is no provision for proper disposal of water,Municipal Corporation Councillor Manjit Singh Chohan said: Even a light shower causes waterlogging in the area as drains are not well constructed. Stagnant water causes numerous problems.

Another MC official said that while measures are being taken to maintain hygienic conditions,residents too should ensure that cleanliness is maintained.

The cholera count for 2008 stood at 26,with all the cases being reported from among the migrant colonies and slums.

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