Karnataka state has been grappling with increasing temperature, water scarcity, and now the cholera outbreak. Two medical students in Bangalore tested positive for cholera.
According to the officials, the Karnataka state health department is on alert, after two students from BMCRI (Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute) tested positive for cholera. These two were among the 47 who were admitted to Victoria Hospital with acute gastroenteritis and dehydration.
On 5 April, 47 students from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute's girls hostel were admitted to Victoria Hospital complaining of loose stools and dehydration. The stool samples of the hospitalized students were collected and sent for culture and sensitivity tests. On Saturday the results of the reports were received, which showed that two admitted students tested positive for cholera. After the test results the BMCRI suspended hostel warden Dr. Akhilandeshwari.
The hostel kitchen was temporarily closed and disinfection of the hostel kitchen was being carried out. The authorities are providing food to the hostel from the Victoria Hospital kitchen. The authorities also said that they are also taking pest control measures.
On Sunday, of the 47 students, thirteen students were discharged. BMCRI Dean and Director Dr. Ramesh Krishna K issued a statement that disclosed that other students had been discharged earlier. The statement also said that only one student has been kept under observation at the trauma center and they are waiting for her culture reports to confirm if it is a case of cholera or not.
Dr. Asima Banu, principal of BMCRI said that none of the water samples collected from the hostel have tested positive for cholera yet, and the officials also said that the cause of the infection has not been detected yet.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Lavanya Beeraboina/MSM)