Municipal water supply through pipelines has been temporarily halted as a precautionary measure, while 15 water tankers have been deployed to provide safe drinking water to residents. Of the 141 affected individuals, 68 are still under treatment.
Published Sep 12, 2025 | 4:37 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 12, 2025 | 4:37 PM
Health minister visits health camps. (Supplied)
Synopsis: District Health and Medical Officer Dr Suhasini conducted inspections of the affected colonies in RR Pet and oversaw the collection of water samples from various locations for laboratory examination. Medicines and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets have been distributed door-to-door to residents.
A diarrhea outbreak in the Rajarajeshwari Peta area of Vijayawada in the NTR district has led to 141 people being hospitalized, prompting local authorities to suspend municipal water supply and establish emergency medical camps in the affected region.
Municipal water supply through pipelines has been temporarily halted as a precautionary measure, while 15 water tankers have been deployed to provide safe drinking water to residents. Of the 141 affected individuals, 68 are still under treatment.
NTR District Collector Lakshmisha confirmed the establishment of a medical camp staffed with expert doctors and paramedical personnel to treat patients on-site. “A control room has been set up in the Collector’s office with phone number 9154970454 to provide and receive information about the situation,” he stated.
Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, accompanied by Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana and MP Kesineni Shivanadh Chinni, visited the affected area to assess the situation firsthand. During their visit to New Rajarajeshwari Peta, the officials interacted directly with patients at the medical camp.
“The situation in New Rajarajeshwari Peta is currently under control. The government is taking all necessary precautions,” Minister Yadav assured residents.
He emphasized that water samples from both pipeline and groundwater sources have been collected and tested, with initial reports coming back negative. Additional tests are ongoing to ensure comprehensive analysis.
The Minister also addressed public concerns about potential causes, stating, “Some say health issues arose after eating pani puri, drinking water, or consuming brinjal and dry fish curry. Since this is the Budameru area, the possibility of groundwater contamination is also being examined.”
District Health and Medical Officer Dr Suhasini conducted inspections of the affected colonies in RR Pet and oversaw the collection of water samples from various locations for laboratory examination. Medicines and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets have been distributed door-to-door to residents.
Importantly, officials have confirmed that no deaths have been reported due to the diarrhea outbreak, with Minister Yadav urging the public not to believe rumors circulating about the situation.
The outbreak comes on the heels of a recent Melioidosis outbreak in Andhra Pradesh, raising concerns about disease surveillance and response mechanisms.
State Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian conducted a video conference with district medical officials from Mangalagiri, issuing stern warnings about accountability.
“There was negligence from the field-level staff to the district-level officials in registering deaths at Turakapalem village due to Melioidosis outbreak in a timely manner,” Commissioner Veerapandian stated, announcing that departmental inquiry reports would determine appropriate action against responsible parties.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sumit Jha)
