A cholera outbreak has been reported in Bhosari, leading to the hospitalization of seven individuals. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has confirmed that these patients have tested positive for the Vibrio cholerae bacterium and are currently receiving treatment in two hospitals.
Hospital Admissions
Five patients are being treated at Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH), while two others are admitted to New Bhosari Hospital. This sudden outbreak has prompted swift action from local health authorities to contain the spread and identify the infection source.
Source of Infection
The outbreak appears to have originated in Dhawadevasti, where five of the positive cases were identified on Friday. A PCMC doctor, who requested anonymity, stated, “PCMC had not reported a single case of cholera in the past three years. We are investigating the patients’ histories to trace the infection source. In May, three individuals in Mhalunge-Chakan were diagnosed with cholera. We are examining any possible connections, although none of the current patients have a travel history to Chakan.”
Patient Demographics and Symptoms
The seven patients, comprising two females and five males, are all from the densely populated Dhawadevasti area. They exhibited common cholera symptoms, such as dysentery and vomiting. In response to the outbreak, the civic body has established a field hospital in Bhosari to manage the situation effectively.
Health Officials’ Response
Dr. Abhaychandra Dadewar, Assistant Health Officer at PCMC, assured, “The seven patients are stable. Our immediate focus is on raising awareness and preventing further spread of the disease. Treatment facilities for cholera are now available at all municipal hospitals.”
Additionally, Dr. Laxman Gophane, another PCMC Health Officer, outlined the steps being taken to manage the outbreak. “We have formed 44 teams to screen over 16,000 residents and will visit 6,144 houses in Bhosari. Suspected patients’ samples are being sent for screening at YCMH. As a preventive measure, we have distributed ORS packets and administered medicines like Chemoprophylaxis, Omez, and Doxycycline to close contacts of the patients.”
