In a concerning development, two students from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) have tested positive for cholera after being hospitalized with complaints of loose stools and dehydration. This revelation comes just a day after 47 students from the same institute were admitted to the hospital with similar symptoms.
Dr. Padma MR, from the state surveillance unit under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, confirmed that cultures of two students have returned positive for cholera.
Following the incident, officials including the Principal Secretary of the Medical Education Department and the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission visited both the hospital and the Girls’ Hostel.
According to Ramesh Krishna, the Dean and Director of BMCRI, the 47 students admitted from the girls’ hostel suffered from acute gastroenteritis, with symptoms including loose stools and weakness. Although initial tests for cholera came back negative for the water samples from the hostel, two students tested positive for Vibrio Cholera serotype ogawa.
Treatment measures, including administering antibiotics and intravenous fluids, have been initiated for all affected students. Additionally, preventive measures such as disinfection of the hostel’s kitchen and sourcing food and water from Victoria Hospital’s kitchen are being implemented.
While there are concerns about a potential cholera outbreak amidst extreme heat and water scarcity, the Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department clarified that the reported cases are sporadic, with no evidence of an outbreak at this time.
