Three tribal women die of ‘diarrhoea’ in Dumka village

Dumka: A woman and her daughter-in-law were among the three tribal women who have died due to suspected diarrhoea at Sonadhab village in Shikaripara block of Dumka district in the past three days.
The deceased women were identified Lukhi Marandi (55), daughter-in-law Bahamuni Murmu (23), and Chintamani Hembrom (35).
They had complained of vomiting and stomach upset.While Chintamani died while being taken to a health centre on Thursday, Lukhi and Bahamuni died at home on Friday, area residents said.
District officials sent a medical team to the village on Friday. Civil surgeon (CS) Dr Bachha Prasad Singh said, “None of the deceased were taken to a doctor or admitted in a govt hospital. Hence, we are unable to ascertain the reason behind their deaths. Six people with similar symptoms have been taken to the Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital, where their condition is stable.”
“A fair was organised in the area on October 13. The affected might have consumed adulterated food items and suffered from food poisoning,” Dr Singh added.
Locals, however, claimed that the water of the well in the hamlet was contaminated and the hand pumps were non-functional for months. “The entire village is dependent on a well, the water of which is contaminated,” said resident Bablu Murmu.
Meanwhile, sources in the Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital said, “Three persons were admitted with complaints of diarrhoea on Friday. Two were treated and discharged on Saturday, while the lone patient admitted is showing signs of improvement.”
Medical teams would continue to visit the village as a precautionary measure, Dr Singh said.