A large number of people in and around Thiruthuraipoondi in Tiruvarur district and Vedaranyam block in Nagapattinam district have developed symptoms of acute diarrhoeal disease, reportedly due to suspected contamination of drinking water.
People suffering from severe dehydration have been approaching primary health centres and the government hospital at Thiruthuraipoondi during the last two to three days.
The number, which was around 10 during the initial two days, swelled on Tuesday when over 30 people sought treatment.
A team of doctors from the district headquarters was rushed to the Thiruthuraipoondi block where they confirmed the outbreak in and around Thiruthuraipoondi as several persons had availed treatment in private clinics. Most of them were treated as out-patients.
Special teams were formed and dispatched to affected areas to check spread of the outbreak and create awareness.
Oral rehydration salts were given to the people and the public were advised to consume boiled water.
A similar situation prevailed in Vedaranyam, Thalaignairu and Voimedu areas in Nagapattinam district where people get water through Kollidam Combined Water Supply Scheme. They suffered from diarrhoeal disorder.
Around 20 persons who could not afford treatment at private clinics were referred to the Government Hospital at Nagapattinam.
More than 20 special teams of doctors and para-medical personnel were sent to various places around Vedaranyam to check spread of the infection.
Meanwhile, civic bodies and the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board officials swung into action and rectified ‘defects’ in the water supply distribution network.
Contamination of drinking water could have taken place due to cracks in pressure release valves and one such defect was detected near Kurumbal in Tiruvarur district.
Ravichandran of Thiruthuraipoondi, a social activist, alleged that hasty revival of water supply through the Combined Water Supply Scheme network in the cyclone Gaja hit areas without thoroughly checking the network could have been the cause for the situation.
Local bodies supplied water through tankers for seven to 10 days soon after the cyclone but resumed supply through pipes thereafter. Cracks might have developed due to pumping of water with heavy pressure.
So, civic bodies in whose areas the dehydration problem has erupted have resorted to supply of water through tankers.
Published - March 14, 2019 01:57 pm IST