Food poisoning, diarrhoea outbreak as summer sets in

Pudukkottai has the highest number with 48 food poisoning cases, while Tiruvannamalai and Nagapattinam has 44 and 33 cases respectively. More than 41 cases of acute diarrheal disease were reported in Madurai since last month. “Cases of acute diarrhoea have been reported mainly in children in the age group 5 to 10 years. The high incidence of diarrhoea is often associated with food poisoning also. All the cases have been treated symptomatically, while surveillance continues,” said Director of Public Health, Dr K Kolandaisamy.

Cases of food poisoning, mumps and diarrhoeal diseases are high in summer. “High temperature is favourable for the spread of bacteria and viruses. Very often, parents consider dehydration and sunstroke as the reason for these ailments. There were a few deaths reported because of delayed treatment for diarrhoea. It is necessary to treat children on time,” said Dr Mohan Kumar, paediatrician, Institute of Child Health.

“We are creating awareness among students, cooks and food handlers in government schools to prevent an outbreak. Medical teams have been formed to continue monitoring in the affected districts. These teams are also keeping a check on water pipeline leakages and water contamination. Samples have been sent to laboratories, while the water being supplied through lorries has been chlorinated, added Kolandisamy.