Patiala/Sanaur, 7 July 2025: The outbreak of diarrhea in the Alipur Araiyan area of Patiala has intensified, with over 60 people infected so far. The situation has become more alarming as two deaths have been reported — one of a 2-year-old girl and another of a 78-year-old woman.
2-Year-Old Girl and 78-Year-Old Woman Among the Dead
A wave of panic has swept through the area as the number of affected patients continues to rise. The Health Minister, along with municipal corporation officials, visited the area and gave necessary instructions. More than two dozen patients are still hospitalized. Among those admitted on Saturday, 2-year-old Chandni and 78-year-old Tarawati have passed away. Although the exact cause of the elderly woman’s death is still under investigation, the health department is treating it as part of the ongoing outbreak.
Contaminated Drinking Water Identified as the Cause
In response to the diarrhea outbreak, the health department conducted door-to-door surveys in the area, shut down the regular water supply, and arranged for clean water through tankers. A temporary dispensary has been set up where medicines are being provided and regular health check-ups are being conducted.
The source of the outbreak appears to be a leak in the water supply pipeline, which led to sewage water mixing with drinking water, causing widespread illness.
Complaints Ignored by Municipal Authorities
Locals revealed that they had repeatedly complained about the leaking pipeline to the municipal corporation, but no serious action was taken, resulting in this crisis. The municipal officials, however, claim that once they were informed, the water supply was immediately shut down, and repairs were initiated.
Health Officials on the Ground
Civil Surgeon Dr. Jagpal Inder Singh confirmed that the number of cases is steadily rising. Water samples have been collected from Alipur Araiyan and sent for lab testing. Five teams from the health department are conducting door-to-door check-ups.
Health Minister Assures Full Support
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh visited the village with a team of officials. He shared condolences with the affected families, stating that the Punjab government stands firmly with the victims and their families. He assured that he is personally monitoring the situation and has instructed officials to take immediate and effective steps to stop the spread.
He further stated that free treatment is being provided to all patients and that temporary dispensaries have been opened in the village. ORS packets, antibiotics, and chlorine tablets are being distributed free of cost. He urged people to visit the nearest health center or hospital if they experience symptoms like persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or weakness, where 24/7 free treatment is available.
He also emphasized that continuous water testing is underway.
Officials present during the inspection included Mayor Kundan Gogia, Simarjit Kaur Pathanmajra, ADC Navreet Kaur Sekhon, Dr. Sumeet Singh, Divjot Singh, and other officials and staff.
Summary:
Punjab Health Department remains vigilant following national HMPV and rising COVID-19 signals. Despite two COVID-related deaths elsewhere, the state reports no confirmed cases or fatalities.