Six people have succumbed to gastroenteritis in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh in the last 3 days, and the reason seems to be drinking water contamination.

Six persons including three women have died of gastroenteritis in Guntur town of Andhra Pradesh over the last three days since 5 March, officials said. About 50 persons from Anandapet and Sangadigunta colonies in the town are undergoing treatment at the Guntur Government General Hospital (GGH) since Sunday night. They all came to the hospital with symptoms of vomiting, frequent motions and fever.

According to officials, the first death was reported on 5 March night, while two more died on 6 March and another three the next day. District Collector K. Sasidhar has reviewed the situation with medical and health officials and directed the department to keep medicines ready in all hospitals including the GGH. Drinking water contamination is said to be the reason for the epidemic. The Collector has formed teams to inspect the water supply pipelines and rectify wherever leakages are found. Special medical camps are being organised in the two affected colonies.