Amid emergence of over 100 suspected typhoid cases in Sector 24 and 28 and Adiwada areas of Gandhinagar city due to leakage in a water pipeline, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has directed the authorities concerned to deal with the situation on a war footing, an official release stated on Sunday.
Shah has also ordered immediate repair of leakages in the water pipeline so that the outbreak does not spread and intense inspection of pipelines in the surrounding areas. Shah, a Lok Sabha MP from Gandhinagar, has also directed officials to ensure speedy and precise treatment to typhoid-affected children and other citizens by expert doctors and asked them to arrange a food facility for patients’ relatives at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital.
Shah has been in constant touch with Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, district Collector Mehul Dave and Municipal Commissioner of Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation J N Vaghela, the statement said.
According to the release, 113 suspected cases of Typhoid have been detected in the state capital so far.
Of these, 19 patients have been discharged after treatment, while 94 are currently being treated in Gandhinagar Civil Hospital as well as health centres of Sectors 24 and 29, said the release, adding that their condition is stable. A 24X7 OPD has been started in the affected areas.
A total of 75 health teams have conducted a survey in the areas of Sector 24, 26, 28 and Adiwada where the suspected cases have been found.
The teams have surveyed more than 20,800 households, covering a population of over 90,000. Also, 30,000 tablets of chlorine and 20,600 packets of ORS have been distributed as a preemptive measure. The process of super chlorination of water has been expedited and the amount of chlorine is being inspected, the release stated.
Story continues below this ad
The survey teams are also distributing pamphlets advising people to drink only boiled water, not to eat outside food and to keep their hands clean.
The release also stated that wherever pipeline leakages are found, it is being repaired immediately.
The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation authorities have started intense inspection of units selling panipuri, ragda patis, ice gola, shikanji, milk products etc, it added.