Over 200 infected in Pulwama gastroenteritis outbreak

SRINAGAR — After southern Kashmir’s Anantnag and Kulgam districts, cases of gastroenteritis have been reported at Hari Parigam area of Awantipora in Pulwama district where over 200 people have got infected in the last few days.

An official from the Health Department told the news agency KNO that over 200 cases of gastroenteritis have been reported in Hari Parigam village in the last few days, adding that people have been complaining about vomiting, loose motion, and cramps following which they are hospitalized.

The official said that most of them are being treated in OPD while a few have been admitted at NTPHC Hari Parigam for treatment.

He further added that the severity of the disease has started going down and most of the people are recovering. “The situation is very much under control, adding that they are working on chlorination of water. Besides, the door-to-door survey has been started,” he said.

Dr Paramjeet Singh, Sectoral Medical Officer Dadsara said that they have treated around 200 patients while a few were treated at SDH Tral. He said that they have been educating people on how they can get rid of this disease, adding that the people need to follow SoPs issued by DHSK so as to get rid of this disease.

The SOPs include the use of boiled water for drinking and cooking, proper hand hygiene practices, use of soap and other disinfectants for hand washing, avoiding close contact with affected individuals and quick reporting to the nearest health facility in case of symptoms.

Ensure children wash their hands frequently; keep children, elderly people and persons with comorbidities away from affected individuals; monitor children’s health closely for early detection of symptoms; avoid using raw vegetables and salads; fruits should be used only after properly washing them; avoid street foods and junk foods and remain hydrated and also avoid direct contact with sunlight during peak hours.