Ahmedabad finds itself grappling with a significant increase in waterborne illnesses as the city falls under the oppressive grip of escalating temperatures. In just one week, the Sola Civil Hospital has experienced a remarkable surge, with a staggering 1560 cases reported, highlighting the growing health crisis.
“The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (SMC) has taken swift action to address the situation,” declared a spokesperson. “We understand the urgency and are working tirelessly to control the outbreak.” The primary concern revolves around the alarming rise in waterborne ailments, with a distressing total of 1366 cases of diarrhea and vomiting, coupled with an alarming 18 confirmed cases of cholera. This concerning trend paints a bleak picture, with specific areas such as Amraiwadi, Vatwa, Danilimda, Maninagar, Lambha, Vastral, Bhaipura, and Indrapuri emerging as hotspots of heightened concern. Health authorities have deemed 134 water samples unsuitable for human consumption, prompting urgent remedial measures.
Adding to the city’s woes, cases of swine flu have been gradually increasing in recent weeks, with a worrying surge of 60 new cases reported, raising fears of a looming outbreak. In a proactive response, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has swiftly established isolation facilities within city hospitals to preemptively tackle potential swine flu emergencies. Health regulators have issued clear directives to both food and health divisions, placing significant emphasis on conducting thorough analyses of water samples, inspecting ice manufacturing units, and enforcing stringent hygiene standards among street vendors selling beverages and snacks such as Shikanji and Panipuri.
With the monsoon season on the horizon, the municipal engineering team is intensifying pre-monsoon sanitation efforts, gathering comprehensive data on the number of catch pits cleared citywide. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the recurrence of flooding in low-lying areas such as Sindhubhan Road, Bodakdev, Bhopal, Naroda, Vastral, Helmet Circle, Vastrapur, Vejalpur, and Ranip, which bore the brunt of flooding during the previous monsoon deluge. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation remains steadfast in its determination to combat the surge in waterborne illnesses and prevent further contagion. Residents are urged to diligently adhere to strict hygiene protocols, consume only treated water, and seek medical assistance promptly if they exhibit any symptoms.
