Team Herald
MARGAO: Cholera cases continue to emerge from the Mobor and Cutbona jetties, with health officials confirming at least 20 additional infections this week. The latest cases are primarily concentrated in Mobor, where the outbreak is active.
State epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar reported that the recent infections have been detected among crew members of fishing vessels that had not been previously impacted. While some patients are being treated at home, others have required hospitalisation. “Seven individuals have been admitted to private hospitals in Margao, four are receiving care at South Goa District Hospital, and several others are at the Primary Health Centre in Balli,” Betodkar stated. Additionally, around seven people are being treated at home under medical supervision.
The outbreak has already claimed the lives of at least five migrant workers, with two succumbing to the illness before reaching the hospital. While the total number of confirmed cholera cases since the outbreak began stands at approximately 220, authorities have noted a decrease in daily cases compared to the initial surge.
However, Betodkar cautioned that further spikes could occur before the situation stabilises. “We might see a few peaks before the outbreak is fully under control. We cannot declare it contained until we go without new cases for double the incubation period,” he explained.
Efforts to contain the disease are ongoing, with special monitoring in place at the Mobor and Cutbona jetties. In response to hygiene concerns, 30 bio-toilets have been installed at the Cutbona jetty to prevent further contamination.
Fishing boat worker with vomiting, diarrhoea
succumbs at Malim
PANJIM: A labourer from Odisha, who reportedly fell ill while he was on board a fishing trawler for four days, was declared ‘brought dead’ at Goa Medical College, Bambolim on Tuesday. Police said Sachindra Khadia, 39, working onboard a boat in Malim jetty, Betim, was suffering from continuous vomiting and diarrhoea, but died before he could receive treatment.