One person died and another 90 people are undergoing treatment due to a diarrhoea outbreak in the Srikakulam municipal corporation limits. A second death has also been reported, though the authorities are yet to confirm if it was caused by diarrhoea.
The deceased have been identified as Mandala Suresh of Kandra Veedhi and Sadasivuni Narasimhamurthy of Golkonda Revu. The duo succumbed to multi-organ failure after allegedly being affected by chronic diarrhoea. The Andhra Pradesh government has announced Rs 10 lakhs in compensation to the kin of the deceased.
The outbreak is concentrated in densely populated neighborhoods including Kaki Veedhi, Dammala Veedhi, Gudi Veedhi, Kandra Veedhi, Manguvari Thota and Golkonda Revu.
Why Severe Diarrhoea Can Turn Deadly
Diarrhoea becomes dangerous when the body starts losing large amounts of fluids and essential electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. In acute cases, frequent loose stools and repeated vomiting can cause dehydration within hours. Children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
Doctors explain that rapid fluid loss reduces blood volume, leading to a drop in blood pressure. If untreated, this can impair blood flow to vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain. In extreme cases, acute kidney injury, electrolyte imbalance, shock, and even multi-organ failure can occur.
READ MORE: Diarrhoea Outbreak in Himachal Pradesh: 34 New Cases Reported in Hamirpur
Warning Signs That Signal a Medical Emergency
While mild diarrhoea often resolves within a day or two, certain red flags indicate the condition is becoming severe. Immediate medical attention is necessary if a person experiences:
- Persistent vomiting along with diarrhoea
- Very little or no urine output
- Extreme weakness, dizziness, or fainting
- High fever
- Blood in stools
- Rapid heartbeat or confusion
- Severe abdominal pain
In children, warning signs may include sunken eyes, dry lips, no tears while crying, unusual sleepiness, or refusal to drink fluids. Doctors stress that delay in seeking care can dramatically increase complications.
Rapid Dehydration: The Silent Threat
One of the biggest risks during outbreaks is underestimating the speed at which dehydration sets in. In hot and humid conditions, fluid loss accelerates further. Even healthy adults can deteriorate quickly if they fail to replace fluids adequately.
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) remains the first line of defence. Clean drinking water, coconut water, rice water, and clear soups can help maintain hydration in mild cases. However, once warning signs appear, intravenous (IV) fluids may be required in a hospital setting to stabilise the patient.
Possible Causes Behind the Outbreak
Acute diarrhoea outbreaks are commonly linked to contaminated water, poor sanitation, or bacterial and viral infections. Consuming improperly stored food or street food prepared in unhygienic conditions can increase risk. Public health officials typically investigate water sources and food handling practices during such incidents to prevent further spread.
Prevention Is Critical
Doctors emphasise that prevention remains the most effective strategy. Washing hands thoroughly with soap, drinking boiled or purified water, avoiding raw or uncovered foods, and maintaining proper kitchen hygiene can significantly reduce risk.
Health experts urge people not to ignore severe symptoms or rely solely on home remedies. What begins as simple stomach upset can escalate into a life-threatening emergency within hours. Early hydration, close monitoring, and prompt medical intervention can save lives and prevent complications such as organ failure.
In outbreaks like the one unfolding, awareness and swift action are the strongest tools against fatal outcomes.
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