Over 200 Fall Ill After Drinking Contaminated Water in Kupwara Village

Kupwara, July 11: A suspected outbreak of waterborne illness has affected over 200 residents in Nagri area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, reportedly due to the consumption of contaminated drinking water.

The incident came to light two days back when residents of Gamandar locality in Nagri began experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Within a span of just a few days, 193 individuals were reported to have fallen ill, prompting swift action from the district health authorities.

According to reports, all the affected individuals had consumed water from a common source, believed to be contaminated.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Chief Medical Officer Kupwara, Dr Masrat Iqbal Wani, confirmed the outbreak and said a medical team was immediately dispatched to the affected village.

“Soon after receiving information about the outbreak, we sent a medical team to the area,” Dr Wani said.

“Out of the 200 individuals affected, only six required referral to the Sub-District Hospital Kupwara. The rest have been administered necessary medication at NTPHC Nagri and are recovering well.”

He assured that the situation is under control and there is no need for panic.

“Our medical team is on standby and monitoring the situation closely,” he added.

As a precautionary measure, residents have been advised to stop using the suspected water source until further notice. IDSP have collected water samples from the area and sent them to the District Public Health Laboratory for testing.

“We have lifted samples from the water source for detailed assessment,” Dr Wani said. “Further action will be taken based on the lab findings.”