Indore's Bhagirathpura: E. coli Contamination Kills 16, Sickens Thousands

• Contaminated water in Bhagirathpura, Indore, has led to 16 deaths and affected approximately 3,000 people, with hundreds hospitalized.
• E. coli bacteria were found in over half of groundwater samples from borewells; Salmonella, Vibrio cholera, viruses, fungi, and protozoa were also present.
• AIIMS expert Dr. Shalimar states E. coli in drinking water indicates fecal contamination and is highly dangerous, especially for vulnerable groups.
• Infection can cause severe illness, including fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, typhoid, multi-organ failure, and can be fatal.
• Authorities declared an epidemic, banned street food, advised boiling water, and are repairing damaged borewells while adding chlorine to reservoirs.

Why It Matters: Indore's water crisis: E. coli outbreak claims lives, highlights severe public health risk.