Dabolim: 149 Ill with Diarrhoea

• Dabolim’s Prabhu Violetta building faces a health crisis; 149 residents ill.
• Officials suspect bore well water contamination; samples sent for testing by Mar 28.
• Health dept advises residents on water precautions; testing for typhoid underway.

An alarming health crisis has emerged at Prabhu Violetta building in Dabolim, with nearly 149 residents falling ill from suspected diarrhea. Officials are probing the building's bore well water as a likely source of contamination, taking decisive action to understand and mitigate the situation.

Widespread Illness Reported

A concerning health situation has unfolded at the Prabhu Violetta residential complex in Dabolim, where approximately 149 individuals have presented with symptoms indicative of diarrhea. This outbreak has prompted immediate concern and investigation from local health authorities. The issue first came to light as cases began to multiply over a four to five-day period, leading residents to escalate their concerns to the authorities due to the increasing number of affected individuals. The gravity of the situation necessitated prompt official intervention to understand the root cause and implement necessary public health measures.

Water Contamination Investigation

The primary suspicion for the widespread illness points towards the water supply within the building. Residents have lodged formal complaints, suggesting that the bore wells supplying water to their homes may be contaminated. In response, the Mormugao deputy collector has directed multiple agencies, including the health department, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), and the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), to conduct a thorough investigation. These departments have meticulously collected water samples from various storage points, including the main sump, the bore wells themselves, and overhead tanks, to identify any potential contaminants. Laboratory results are anticipated by March 28th, which are crucial for confirming or refuting the contamination theory.

Health Precautions and Testing

While the investigation into water contamination is underway, the health department is actively monitoring the situation and advising residents on essential precautions for water usage. Dr. Tejan Lotlikar from the Cortalim primary health centre confirmed that while the building receives portable water from the PWD for kitchen use, other household needs are met by bore well water, as per the builder's report. To rule out other possible causes of the outbreak, stool and blood samples from affected residents are also being collected and analyzed for typhoid and other bacterial infections. Although complaints of overflowing sewerage chambers were received, Dr. Lotlikar has indicated that water contamination due to sewage overflow is unlikely, based on initial assessments.