Thu Sep 11 17:47:12 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A significant outbreak of diarrhea has struck New Rajarajeswaripeta in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, with cases reaching 102 as of Thursday. A medical camp has been established at a local school to treat patients experiencing symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, fever, and frequent diarrhea. While food poisoning was initially suspected due to recent Ganesh idol immersion events, officials are investigating other potential causes, as some affected individuals did not attend any functions. Residents report receiving discolored water for weeks, and concerns are raised about the cleanliness of the municipal water tank. A ‘food safety on wheel’ vehicle tests water samples on the spot, but no abnormalities have been reported. Further testing is underway at the Institute of Preventive Medicine. The Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development has dismissed reports of fatalities and assured residents of adequate care. A control room has been set up, and residents are provided with contact information for assistance.

**News Article:**

**Diarrhea Outbreak Sickens Over 100 in Vijayawada, Water Contamination Suspected**

**Vijayawada, September 11, 2025** – A sudden surge in diarrhea cases has hit the New Rajarajeswaripeta area of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, with over 100 residents now affected. As of Thursday, medical teams are scrambling to treat the outbreak, confirming 23 new cases just on Wednesday.

A medical camp has been set up at the Care and Share V.M.C. School, transforming classrooms into makeshift wards. Patients are arriving with symptoms including severe diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, fever, and cough. According to a duty doctor, some patients are reporting up to 15 episodes of diarrhea. Those requiring more intensive care are being referred to the Government General Hospital (GGH). As of Thursday evening, 48 people were hospitalized, with children being directly admitted to the GGH.

Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development P. Narayana visited the affected area, assuring residents that the best possible care is being provided. He refuted earlier reports of deaths related to the outbreak.

While initial suspicions focused on food poisoning linked to recent Ganesh idol immersion celebrations, officials are exploring other potential causes. “Some of those who had diarrhoea had attended functions held in connection with Ganesh idol immersion. But there are others who did not attend any function” said V. Srinivas, Assistant Food Controller, NTR and Krishna districts, adding “As people continue to experience diarrhoea even after five days of idol immersion, there could be something else too.”

Compounding the crisis, residents have reported receiving discolored water for several weeks. Concerns are growing about the cleanliness of the municipal water storage tank, with some alleging it hasn’t been cleaned in over a year. “The water had a bad odour,” claimed Satyavati, whose husband is being treated in a private hospital. Samples are being tested on-site by a “food safety on wheel” vehicle, and further samples have been sent to the Institute of Preventive Medicine to check for bacterial contamination. Results are expected within 48 hours.

The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) is expected to release a statement soon. In the meantime, a control room has been established at the Collectorate to assist affected residents. The public can reach the control room by dialing 91549 70454.

The health department is urging residents to boil all drinking water as a precautionary measure until the source of the contamination is identified and addressed.

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