In the middle of the water crisis, and increasing temperatures, one cholera case has been confirmed in Bengaluru city.

Karnataka State Health Department officials confirmed one positive cholera case in Bengaluru, and they substantiated that consumption of contaminated water led to the one positive cholera case, and the samples of other two people were sent for testing.

Karnataka State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao explained that they are closely monitoring the cases related to diarrhea and testing for cholera. He also said that it is too early to call it an outbreak and the officials are already monitoring the situation. The samples have gone for testing.

The person who was infected with cholera living in Bengaluru’s Malleswaram area as a paying guest. He allegedly used untreated water at the premises for consumption, and all three samples sent for testing are from the same PG housing. The health officers also collected water samples from the location to trace the source of the water supply to the PG and find out how the infection spread. 

Tushar Girinath, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner said that this is not an outbreak. The first test resulted positive for cholera and they are waiting for the results of the other two people. Two more cases of diarrhea are reported from the same location, for further examination considerable sampling has been started. He also said that the water supply to the PG is separate from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). That PG accommodation gets water from a nearby borewell. They are also performing tests on other residents who are staying in the PG accommodation.

Girinath emphasized the BWSSB to increase the chlorination of water, and periodic observation of the water samples from varied city points, to keep track on the cholera strains. As a preventive measure, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao declared the upcoming issuance of an advisory to raise attention to the issue. The health minister cautioned the people that they should boil water before drinking, consume fresh food, and avoid eating at roadside places or eateries where hygiene standards are doubtful, and consumption of food from street vendors like pani puri stalls are at the risk of water contamination and it should be avoided.

Cholera is a bacterial disease. It usually spreads through contaminated water. It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. If it is left untreated, it can be fatal within hours even in previously healthy people.

References:

1.   https://www.news18.com/india/cholera-case-confirmed-in-bengaluru-karnataka-govt-says-tests-being-done-but-its-not-an-outbreak-8839453.html

2.   https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/one-cholera-case-confirmed-in-bengaluru-amid-severe-water-crisis-report-101712222635920.html

3.   https://newskarnataka.com/karnataka/cholera-case-confirmed-in-bengaluru-amid-rising-temperatures-and-water-shortage/04042024

4.   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cholera/symptoms-causes/syc-20355287

(Input from various sources) 

(Rehash/Lavanya Beeraboina)