Home / Health / Deadly Pathogens Found in Indore Tap Water; 10 Dead, 210 Hospitalized
Deadly Pathogens Found in Indore Tap Water; 10 Dead, 210 Hospitalized
4 Jan
Summary
- Tap water contaminated with E coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae caused mass illness.
- A sewage leak from a police outpost toilet contaminated the 30-year-old water pipeline.
- Delayed testing likely contributed to fatalities from polymicrobial infections.
Over a week after residents of Bhagirathpura in Indore fell ill, water sample reports confirmed deadly pathogens like E coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae bacteria in the tap water. This polymicrobial contamination caused multi-organ failure and sepsis, leading to 10 deaths and hospitalizing 210 people, with 32 currently in intensive care. The source is believed to be raw sewage leaking from a police outpost toilet and breaches in a 30-year-old water pipeline, affecting approximately 50,000 residents.
Medical experts have criticized the significant delay in testing and pathogen identification, stating that the lag worsened the fatalities from polymicrobial infections, which require rapid, targeted treatment. Dr. Verma's hospital treated over 130 patients, initially mistaking symptoms for diarrhea before realizing the severity and unique pathogen mix. The health department's monitoring began only on December 29, after initial panic and numerous patient admissions.
The incident has sparked political outrage, with opposition parties citing medical negligence. While officials acknowledge delays, they also point to patient comorbidities and delayed hospital visits. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of deaths and ensure compensation. The contamination occurred despite Indore's reputation as India's cleanest city.
