A large number of people in the eastern border villages of Palakkad district have fallen victims to waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea. The Health Department says that three people have died of cholera in Pattanchery grama panchayat after consuming contaminated well water. Over 100 people from the same panchayat are under treatment in different hospitals for symptoms of cholera. The situation is acute in Chittur taluk, which faces drinking water shortage during both summer and rainy seasons.
Epidemiologist A. Sukumaran says cholera and diarrhoea could spread fast during monsoon season in the district. Short-term and long-term measures should be adopted in areas such as Pattanchery, Perumatti, Nanniyode, Alathur and Kuzhalmadam to prevent the epidemic as it spreads largely through contaminated drinking water. Tests indicate the presence of coliform bacteria in large quantities in water sources. Cholera-causing bacteria have also been found in water samples. .
Unscientific garbage dumping is cited a prime reason for the spreading of the epidemic. Non-chlorinated water being distributed through tanker lorries is a concern.
District Medical Officer K.P. Rita said preventive measures were being implemented in the region.
Dengue fever
Health Department authorities said 25 grama panchayats in the district were found vulnerable to monsoon-related diseases. A case of dengue fever was reported at Ottappalam while diphtheria cases are getting reported from Kottayi.
Officials said that IEC (information, education, communication) activities had been strengthened to make the public take precautionary measures such as washing hands with soap often, avoiding open defecation, careful handling of food and drinking water, keeping food properly covered and away from flies, drinking only boiled water, and seeking medical care as soon as diarrhoea or vomiting occurred. All medicines, including doxycycline and oral rehydration salts, had been made available at the primary health centres. Chlorine tablets were deposited in all wells and bleaching powder was sprinkled around wells.
Coliform bacteria present in water sources, tests reveal
Non-chlorinated water is supplied through tanker lorries
