Rise in waterborne disease outbreaks in Thrikkakara apartments raises concern

The repeated occurrence of suspected waterborne disease outbreaks in apartment complexes under the Thrikkakara municipality limits has prompted the authorities to step up surveillance.

Three incidents of such outbreaks were reported since June 2024. The latest incident was reported at Olive Courtyard apartment complex at Edachira, Kakkanad, after over 60 residents developed symptoms of waterborne diseases such as vomiting and diarrhoea. The first two incidents were reported at DLF apartment complex in Kakkanad in June and November respectively.

Around 300 residents were hit by the outbreak in the first incident in June following suspected consumption of water containing E.coli bacteria. Nearly 21 persons had sought treatment after developing symptoms associated with water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea and fever in the last week of November.

Smitha Sunny, councillor of the Kalathikuzhy ward in which Olive Courtyard apartment complex is located, said on Tuesday (December 10) that nearly 9 water samples were collected from the well and the piped connection of the Kerala Water Authority for testing. She said that the health wing of the civic body had taken stock of the situation and initiated steps to check the outbreak.

Unni Kakkanad, chairperson of the Thrikkakara municipality’s standing committee on health, said that surveillance would be intensified to prevent recurring waterborne disease outbreaks. The Health department has been instructed to check the water quality in the affected apartment complexes and has also distributed zinc tablets.

“Following the diarrhoea outbreak, we implemented preventive measures on Sunday (December 8) and Monday (December 9). A survey was conducted in the flat, and information was gathered from those showing symptoms. We have distributed packets of ORS [Oral Rehydration Salts] and zinc tablets to residents of the apartment complex at Edachira,” he said. The Ernakulam District Medical Officer was unavailable for comment on the outbreak despite repeated calls and text messages.