Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 20: Over 149 cases of diarrhoea have been reported within a week at a residential complex in Dabolim in South Goa, with authorities suspecting water contamination as the primary cause of the outbreak.

The cases were reported from the Prabhu Violetta residential complex, which houses nearly 200 apartments. Health officials said the affected include children and elderly residents, many of whom experienced vomiting, dehydration, and severe abdominal pain. Several individuals required hospitalisation.

Residents have lodged a police complaint against the builder, Prabhu Realtors, alleging illegal discharge of untreated sewage within the premises, posing a serious risk to public health.

A door-to-door survey conducted by the Cortalim Primary Health Centre since March 14 has identified 149 cases, including three new cases detected on March 17.

Officials have collected water samples from multiple sources within the complex, including residential flats, the underground water sump, a swimming pool, and treated sewage lines used for gardening, to trace the source of contamination.

The Goa State Pollution Control Board has also carried out an independent inspection and sampling exercise.

As a precaution, PHC medical officer Dr Tejan Lotlikar has directed the builder to immediately stop the supply of borewell water to residents until test results are available, citing it as a potential source of contamination.

Authorities are continuing investigations to confirm the cause of the outbreak and prevent further spread.