The Hindu : Karnataka News : Gastroenteritis spreading among Siddis

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Friday, Jul 16, 2010
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Gastroenteritis spreading among Siddis

Correspondent

Cases have been reported from Vada-Garadolli

in hospital:Children admitted with symptoms

Karwar: Instances of gastroenteritis, which claimed one life in Haliyal taluk recently, are being reported in new areas of the taluk. The most worrying fact is that the epidemic is spreading among the people of Siddi community who are forest dwellers. (Siddis are a tribe of African origin living in the forests of Haliyal and Yellapur taluks of Uttara Kannada district.)

Cases of gastroenteritis have been reported from Vada-Garadolli village in the taluk where Siddi concentration is high. The non-availability of medical facility and proper communication coupled with bad roads has aggravated the problem, it is said.

Many with symptoms of gastroenteritis have been admitted in hospitals in Haliyal. Consumption of contaminated water is said to be the main reason for the spread of the epidemic.

Cases of the epidemic have also been reported from other villages in the taluk. The taluk administration is making efforts to provide medicines and proper treatment to the patients. However, the epidemic is spreading to new areas, according to the health officials.

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