Contaminated water tanks trigger diarrhea outbreak in Chattogram colony, leaving one dead
Contaminated water tanks trigger diarrhea outbreak in Chattogram colony, leaving one dead
A contaminated water storage system is the likely source of a diarrheal outbreak that has left one person dead and hospitalized over a dozen others in Chittagong’s Bayezid Bostami area. According to a preliminary investigation by the Chittagong City Corporation (CCC), the infection originated in the Babul Colony, where poorly maintained water tanks triggered the health crisis.
Health officials arrived at the site Saturday morning to inspect water sources and interview residents. Chief Health Officer Mohammad Imam Hossain confirmed that the investigation points to the colony's unsanitary water tanks as the primary vehicle for the transmission. While most of the 17 residents who sought medical attention over the past two days have been treated and discharged, a small number remain hospitalized, with others receiving care at home.
The outbreak claimed the life of 75-year-old Abdul Matin, who was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local medical facility on Friday. Officials suspect severe dehydration caused by the infection led to his death.
Local resident Md. Rabiul Hossain noted that the colony houses approximately 70 families who rely on two main tanks fed by a deep tube well. Although the source of the well water appears safe, the tanks had reportedly not been cleaned for an extended period, leading to the contamination.
The symptoms, including severe diarrhea, vomiting, and extreme weakness, first emerged on Thursday night. Affected residents sought treatment at several facilities, including Marine City Medical College Hospital, Southern Medical College Hospital, and Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Dr. Ratul Halder of Marine City Medical College Hospital, which admitted seven of the patients, confirmed that the clinical presentation led medical staff to immediately suspect a waterborne pathogen.
City health officials have since declared the situation under control. In response to the outbreak, the CCC has issued urgent public health advisories, urging residents to practice rigorous personal hygiene, ensure drinking water is boiled, and prioritize the use of safe, potable water sources.
