A gastroenteritis outbreak in Nippani taluk, Belagavi district, has claimed the life of Pandurang Baccharam Patil, 51, and left nearly 50 residents sick after consuming contaminated tap water, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The outbreak, affecting Nipanal, Boragaon, and Manakapur villages, was traced to a cracked underground pipeline that allowed sewage to mix with drinking water. Dr. Sharanappa Gutte, assistant district health officer of Chikkodi division, reported that victims, including women, children, and elderly residents, experienced vomiting and diarrhea. Patients received treatment at local health centers and temporary clinics, and most are now stable.
Patil, the deceased, initially sought care at a primary health center before being transferred to a private nursing home in Miraj, Maharashtra, where he succumbed to complications, exacerbated by pre-existing kidney issues.
Residents had raised complaints about the broken pipeline for over a week but alleged inaction from the local gram panchayat. Vijay Patil, president of Boragaon’s youth club, criticized authorities for negligence, stating, “Water mixed with sewage was supplied despite repeated complaints.”
Following the incident, Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan ordered immediate pipeline repairs and directed alternative water supplies via tankers. Residents have been advised to boil water before consumption, and clean drinking water is being distributed.
The health department has deployed 24/7 clinics, stocked with medicines and staffed by trained personnel, to monitor and manage the situation. Officials emphasized that the outbreak is under control and preventive measures are being enforced.
Read Also: