25 cholera cases in 15 days, state health department on high alert

Jaipur: The city has recorded a total number of 25 cholera cases so far. All the cases were reported in the past 15 days. The numbers have gone up after the Jamdoli incident where 12 persons died after suffering from diarrhea and vomiting in the second half of April.
Cases of cholera have been reported from different parts of the city. The health department officials said that there are confirmed cases of cholera, both from the city and the rural areas.
The health authorities conducted tests of patients coming to hospitals with complaints of diarrhea and vomiting. Those who were diagnosed with cholera were rushed to Sawai Man Singh hospital and JK Lon hospital for treatment.
According to health experts, cholera is a highly contagious disease which should be treated immediately. It may cause dehydration leading to death.
The health experts claimed that cholera is caused due to infected food and water. However, in the past few days, it has been seen that people are falling ill due to diarrhea and vomiting as water supplied in their areas was found unsuitable for drinking. The health department officials are also suspecting contaminated water as a major cause for illness.
"We are taking samples of water from different parts of the city to test the level of chlorination.
Whenever we find that the level of chlorination is not up to the mark, we immediately inform the public health and engineering department (PHED) to conduct chlorination of water in that particular area," said Dr Narottam Sharma, chief medical health officer (Jaipur I).
The cases of cholera were reported from Kanota, Gopalpura Bypass area and other areas of the city where contaminated water and improper hygiene is a serious problem.
Every day, teams under sub-divisional magistrates inspect different parts of the city and collect samples of water to assure that the city is getting clean and safe water.