In Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, at least 9 people were killed following a serious outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea caused by sewer bacteria detected in drinking water. Laboratory tests identified Vibrio cholerae, Shigella, and E. coli, bacteria usually found in sewage, as the cause of the contamination.
The outbreak was also reported in Bhagirathpura, triggering panic in Indore — a city that has topped India’s cleanliness rankings for eight consecutive years.
Dr. Madhav Prasad Hasani, Chief Medical and Health Officer, stated sewage entered the drinking water due to a leakage in an underground pipe near a police outpost, where a toilet was allegedly constructed over the pipeline. Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey told The Times that the entire pipeline system is under investigation. On Thursday, clean water was restored, but residents were advised to boil water as a precaution.
Sewer Bacteria Outbreak in Indore
Authorities initially reported 14 deaths, though 9 were directly attributed to diarrhoea caused by contaminated water. Over 2,400 people reported symptoms.
A survey covering 1,714 households and 8,571 individuals found that 338 patients were treated at home. Within eight days, a total of 272 patients were admitted to the hospital; 71 were discharged, while 201 remain hospitalised, including 32 in intensive care units.
The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognisance of the matter and demanded a report within two weeks. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav termed the situation “emergency-like” and ordered stern measures.
