TEAM GOEMKARPONN
CUTBONA: Reports of new cholera cases continue to surface from the Mobor and Cutbona jetties, with health officials confirming at least 20 additional infections this week. The latest cases are mainly concentrated in Mobor, where the outbreak is currently active.
Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, a state epidemiologist, stated that the recent infections have been identified among crew members of fishing vessels that had not been previously affected. While some patients are receiving treatment at home, others have needed hospitalization, Betodkar said.
“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.” Additionally, around seven people are being treated at home under medical supervision.
The outbreak has led to the deaths of at least five migrant workers, with two succumbing to the illness before reaching the hospital. Although the total number of confirmed cholera cases since the outbreak began is approximately 220, authorities have observed a decline in daily cases compared to the initial surge.
However, Betodkar warned that there could be further spikes before the situation stabilizes. “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 control the disease are ongoing, with special monitoring established at the Mobor and Cutbona jetties. In response to hygiene concerns, 30 bio-toilets have been set up at the Cutbona jetty to prevent further contamination.
Meanwhile, a worker on a fishing boat with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea passed away at Malim. The labourer from Odisha, Sachindra Khadia, 39, who reportedly fell ill while on board a fishing trawler for four days, was declared ‘brought dead’ at Goa Medical College, Bambolim on Tuesday. Police mentioned that he was working onboard a boat in Malim jetty, Betim, and was suffering from continuous vomiting and diarrhoea, but died before he could receive treatment.
