Date:15/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/15/stories/2006031526310300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Three cases of cholera in city

Staff Reporter

Health Minister says steps are being taken to contain the epidemic

Cholera confirmed in three of the 97 cases investigated
Precautionary measures are being taken in slums

14 ambulances kept ready to transport emergency cases to hospitals

BANGALORE: The Government on Tuesday admitted that the incidence of cholera in the city is a cause for concern, and Health Minister R. Ashok announced plans to contain its outbreak on a war-footing.

Speaking to presspersons after a meeting with officials of the Health Department, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Mr. Ashok said cholera had been confirmed in three persons after 97 cases were investigated in Jakkarayanakere and Siddhartha Nagar, where illness from consumption of water came to light a week ago. He said the reported death of one person from Jakkarayanakere was not due to cholera.

Mr. Ashok said all precautionary measures are being taken, particularly in the slums where the residents are most vulnerable because of water contamination. Halogen tablets to clean the water, and acid wash for toilets are being supplied. He said 14 ambulances have been kept ready at various locations to speedily transport emergency cases to hospitals.

The areas identified as being susceptible are the slums in Chamarajpet, Jagjivanramnagar, Koramangala, Kadugondanahalli, Banashankari, and Yeshwanthpur The sale of ice manufactured under unhygienic conditions being one of the main causes of the spread of cholera, a circular will be issued to ban its sale immediately.

Every day an average of 23 patients with symptoms of cholera or gastroenteritis are admitted to hospitals, and the BMP and the BWSSB have been told to be on 24-hour watch. The BWSSB had been asked to replace old and leaking pipes, which could spread the infection, and ensure that the water supplied to vulnerable areas is adequately treated.

The family members of those suffering from the symptoms (vomiting and diarrhoea) must take care of themselves, and they should be administered preventive doses of medicine, Mr Ashok said.

Mr. Ashok, Mayor Mumtaz Begum and Deputy Mayor M. Lakshminarayana will continue with their inspection and surprise checks around the city and ensure that the officials do not become lax in their work, the Minister said.