The recent cholera outbreak in Dhawade Wasti, Bhosari, has been effectively contained, announced officials from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Wednesday. After reporting the first case on June 8, a total of 10 cholera cases were identified in the area by June 17. However, as of now, no new cases have been reported in the past week, marking a significant improvement in the situation.
Swift Response and Containment Efforts
In response to the outbreak, PCMC swiftly implemented comprehensive measures. This included setting up a field hospital in Bhosari and initiating intensive surveillance across the affected region. A total of 85 suspected cholera patients were admitted to hospitals, including Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH), New Thergaon Hospital, and New Bhosari Hospital. Among them, samples from 10 patients tested positive for cholera, while 75 tested negative.
Public Health Measures
Understanding the severity of cholera, a waterborne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, PCMC officials took proactive steps to prevent further spread. Citizens in the affected area were provided drinking water through tankers to avoid consuming potentially contaminated tap water. The contaminated waterline was identified and promptly shut down, a critical move in halting the outbreak.
Successful Treatment and Prevention
Dr. Laxman Gophane, PCMC’s health officer, reassured the public that all cholera-positive patients received effective treatment and have been discharged from hospitals. “For over a week, there have been no new cases or cholera-like symptoms reported in the area,” Dr. Gophane affirmed, indicating a successful containment of the outbreak.
Community Engagement and Surveillance
PCMC mobilized 44 surveillance teams in Bhosari, conducting thorough screenings of over 74,000 residents and making 26,842 home visits. In addition, 76 family members and close contacts of cholera patients received preventive treatment with Doxycycline. Another 166 individuals exhibiting symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea were also administered preventive medication.
