In response to an outbreak of gastroenteritis in the villages of Kotli Bagla and Dhar Sakri in Rajouri district of J&K, the government has issued an urgent advisory, urging residents to adopt safe drinking water practices during the ongoing monsoon season.An elderly woman lost her life and at least 19 other residents have been hospitalised following gastroenteritis outbreak triggered by contaminated drinking water.
The advisory, issued in the interest of public health, recommends several preventive measures. “In view of the prevailing Monsoon and incidence of eruption of Gastroenteritis cases, the General Public is hereby advised to use safe drinking water during Monsoon Season 2025,” said a statement issued by the Office of Health Department and Hydraulic Division.Key directives include using only tapped water provided by the Jal Shakti Department, and in cases where water is sourced from springs, bowlies, or other open sources, it should be boiled for at least five minutes after reaching a full boil. “Use boiled or chlorinated water to prevent contamination,” it advises.
The public has also been requested to report any leakage in pipelines or suspected water issues to the department for prompt action. In addition, citizens are urged to regularly clean their personal water storage tanks and have their water tested at authorized testing labs within the district.This directive comes amid heightened concerns over waterborne diseases during the monsoon season and aims to safeguard public health through proactive water safety and hygiene measures.
A 75-year-old woman, who had existing health issues, succumbed after suffering from acute diarrhoea. Over the past 72 hours, 19 villagers have been admitted to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital Rajouri with symptoms including persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration. Two of the more severe cases were shifted to GMC Jammu for advanced medical care, he said.
Lab tests confirmed the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in water samples collected from the affected area, indicating contamination due to poor sanitation and possible faecal matter in the water supply. “This is clearly a waterborne outbreak caused by E. coli. The symptoms and test results confirm the link,” a health department official said.
In response, the local administration has intensified efforts to contain the spread. Residents have been advised to boil drinking water and avoid raw vegetables or cold food items. Simultaneously, water sources are being cleaned and disinfected as a preventive measure. Surveillance has also been increased in neighbouring villages to ensure early detection of further cases.
Follow us
