Woman dies of alleged water pollution-Bangalore-Cities-The Times of India

Woman dies of alleged water pollution-Bangalore-Cities-The Times of India: "One woman died and at least 20 were rushed to hospital with symptoms of gastroenteritis in Bharatinagar on Sunday following suspected water contamination. This has set in panic among the residents, forcing the BWSSB to stop piped water supply and call in water tankers.

The deceased has been identified as E Rekha (50), wife of an MEG staffer. Residents of Thimmaiah Road said Rekha complained of fatigue and dehydration on Saturday evening. Her son Karthik said: 'We took her to a clinic where doctors administered her medicines. She came back home, but continued to suffer irregular bowel movements. When we're rushing her to the clinic around 8.30 am on Sunday, she collapsed and died.'

Neither the police nor the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike confirmed the death by water contamination. BBMP medical health officer, Dr Dharmendra, admitted examining at least 12 patients on Sunday, but denied reports of death. "We suspect water contamination. Our officials have taken water samples for testing. The patients were suffering from fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and dysentery. Four patients were in Popular Clinic, five in GM Healthcare and three at Thimmaiah Road Maternity Hospital. The condition of the patients has stabilised," he added.

Dr Murali Krishna of GM Healthcare said all eight patients showed gastroenteritis symptoms. "Patients admitted on Saturday night are stable. We're administering intravenous fluids and antibiotics to patients who got admitted on Sunday. They will be discharged in a day or two."

Dr Ananth of Popular Clinic said four patients were recovering and a like number were still being treated.
Junking reports of water contamination, a BWSSB officer said: "We've been supplying chlorinated water, and there's little possibility that water can be contaminated. However, we've stopped piped water supply and brought in water tankers as a precautionary measure."