Bandipora, Aug 4: Over 100 people have fallen ill in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district after developing a mysterious infection. All the affected persons are suffering from Diarrhea while doctors said they are yet to determine the source of infection but believe it is a water borne disease.
Local sources told news agency KNT that over 100 people in twin villages of Hajin town of Bandipora district have been admitted in a local seminary and a Primary Health Centre. These two villages are Madhvan and Preng.
Medical Officer Dr Muzafar said that the outbreak of this mysterious disease started on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. “People started visiting the Primary Health Centre and when it was over crowded, patients were shifted to a local seminary where they are being treated,” he said.
He said they have attended over 120 patients out of which 60 are suffering from Diarrhea which usually lasts a few days and often disappears without any treatment.
“Earlier we thought people have fallen ill due to consumption of sub-standard food or bakery but when patients started arriving from two different villages, our perception changed. We have collected the samples of water and in coming days the facts will surface,” the Medical Officer said adding that prima facie it seems the water borne disease.
He said they are interviewing these ill patients to determine what they consumed in common.
When KNT contacted Chief Medical Officer Dr Bashir Ahmed, his reply was somewhat irresponsible. “I have got fed up with this development. Everybody asks me about this disease. You please call medicos posted in those villages,” he said and banged the phone. (KNT)
