Rajouri/Jammu, July 2 – Two women have died and over 40 others have fallen ill in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir following an outbreak of gastroenteritis and diarrhoea linked to contaminated spring water, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The affected area, Dhar Sakri village in Kotranka sub-division, saw five natural springs sealed after two tested positive for E-Coli—a bacteria known to cause serious intestinal and urinary tract infections. The sealing of the springs comes as a precautionary step to prevent further spread.
According to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Manohar Lal Rana, 40 cases were reported in Sakri and one in the nearby village of Tralla over the past five days. Among the deceased were a 75-year-old woman with comorbidities from Sakri and a 40-year-old woman from Tralla who died of acute dehydration and multi-organ failure.
In response to the outbreak, Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma visited the affected areas, mobilizing medical teams, water testing units, and public health officials. Water samples were collected from five springs and a tap connection. While the tap water tested safe, two springs were confirmed to be contaminated with E-Coli.
The Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, despite not supplying water from these springs, has chlorinated all contaminated sources using bleaching powder and sealed the springs to prevent access.
A public health advisory has been issued urging residents to avoid consuming untreated spring water and rely solely on safe, treated water. Authorities are actively ensuring safe water supply and conducting awareness campaigns to prevent further health risks.(Agencies)
