15 Cholera Cases in Jamnagar Trigger Survey of 2,700 Homes Amid Water Contamination Concerns

A sudden rise in water-borne illness cases in Gujarat’s Jamnagar has prompted an urgent public health response after authorities confirmed 15 cholera infections and hospitalised 31 people. The outbreak, centred in the Bedeshwar area of Jamnagar, has triggered widespread surveillance measures, including a large-scale door-to-door health survey covering nearly 2,700 households.

Health officials said the situation escalated rapidly after dozens of residents reported symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting over the past two days. The spike in cases led to a surge of patients at G.G. Hospital, where doctors and healthcare staff initiated emergency response protocols to manage the influx.

Residents in the affected localities have raised concerns about the safety of the drinking water supply, alleging that contaminated water may have entered pipelines. Authorities are now investigating whether leakage or cross-contamination between sewage lines and drinking water systems could have contributed to the outbreak.

The Jamnagar Municipal Corporation has deployed around 20 teams to conduct field surveys, collect water samples, and monitor public health conditions. Officials said these teams are also educating residents about hygiene practices and distributing chlorine tablets to help prevent further spread of infection.

Arogya Officer Haresh Gori stated that municipal departments have intensified efforts across multiple fronts. The solid waste management wing has launched an extensive cleanliness drive, while the underground sewer branch and waterworks department are inspecting pipelines and drainage systems to identify possible sources of contamination.

So far, more than 48 suspected cases have been reported in the Bedeshwar area, prompting authorities to remain on high alert. Health teams are tracking patients’ medical histories and monitoring nearby households to contain the spread of the disease. Officials emphasised that early detection and preventive measures are critical to preventing a larger outbreak.

Residents have been advised to consume only boiled or purified water and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as nausea, dehydration, or persistent vomiting. Public announcements and local awareness campaigns are also being carried out to encourage prompt reporting of illness.

Medical experts note that cholera outbreaks are often linked to contaminated water sources, particularly during periods when infrastructure maintenance or sanitation lapses occur. Authorities have assured that regular testing of water samples will continue until the situation stabilises.

As investigations progress, municipal officials are focusing on restoring public confidence in the water supply system while strengthening sanitation measures in vulnerable neighbourhoods. The ongoing surveillance effort is expected to continue over the coming days as health teams monitor new cases and assess the effectiveness of containment strategies.