Contaminated Water Triggers Typhoid Outbreak in Gandhinagar, Over 100 Fall Sick

A major public health alarm has been raised in Gujarat’s capital after more than 100 people fell ill with suspected typhoid over the past week, with authorities pointing to contaminated drinking water as the likely cause. The outbreak has prompted an urgent response from health officials and government authorities to control the spread and treat the affected residents.

Over the last five days, at least 104 suspected typhoid patients have been admitted to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, including many children, according to hospital sources. A significant rise in cases was noted over the past three days, leading to the paediatric ward handling a large proportion of those hospitalised. Hospital officials have described the condition of all admitted patients as stable, though closely monitored.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited the Civil Hospital to assess the situation and meet patients and their families. He said the administration has constituted a special medical team of 22 doctors to manage treatment and monitoring. Senior officials, including the district deputy collector, have also been directed to oversee response efforts on the ground.

Initial investigations by health authorities and laboratory reports suggest that the outbreak is linked to contaminated drinking water in several sectors of the city. Water samples collected from affected areas tested positive for unsafe levels of contamination, prompting immediate advisories for residents to use only boiled or treated water for drinking and cooking. The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation has launched door-to-door surveys to identify other potential cases and trace the source of contamination.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whose parliamentary constituency includes Gandhinagar, has been closely tracking the situation. Shah held multiple discussions with the district collector and other officials to review containment measures and ensure adequate medical support is being provided. The administration is also distributing chlorine tablets and urging residents to maintain strict hygiene to prevent further spread.

Officials have cautioned that while typhoid is suspected, blood samples are being tested to confirm the diagnosis in each case, and supportive treatment is being administered as a precaution. The civic body’s health department is working to disinfect water storage tanks and repair pipeline leaks that may have allowed contaminants to enter the drinking supply.

Residents in the impacted sectors have been advised to consume only home-cooked food, avoid street food, and follow public health advisories until the situation stabilises. Authorities emphasised that swift action and community cooperation are essential to contain the outbreak and prevent additional infections.