A suspected outbreak of waterborne illness has claimed three lives in Tippanatagi village of Surapura taluk, Yadgir district, with over 20 others affected. The victims, identified as Devikemma Hotti (48), Venkamma (60), and Ramanna Poojari (50), succumbed on Monday after suffering from severe vomiting and diarrhoea for over a week. Officials suspect contaminated drinking water to be the cause.
District health officer Dr Mahesh Biradara stated that gastroenteritis symptoms were first reported on Friday. Patients were rushed to government hospitals in Yadgir and Surapura. “We’re awaiting post-mortem results to confirm the cause. Water samples have been collected, a temporary clinic has been set up in the village, and ambulances are on standby,” he said.
Four villagers remain in critical condition under intensive care. Concerned by the escalating crisis, Surapura taluk health officer Raja Venkatappa Naik personally visited the site, interacting with families and directing medical teams to act swiftly.
District minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapura also toured the village, instructing officials to investigate the outbreak thoroughly and submit a comprehensive report. He emphasized identifying the contamination source and implementing immediate preventive steps.
Villagers believe the contamination stemmed from poorly maintained pipelines and storage tanks. Health officials have now urged residents to boil water before drinking and to avoid using open wells.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to prevent further casualties and ensure clean drinking water supply.