MALAPPURAM: The presence of Vibrio Cholerae, the bacterium that causes Cholera infection, has been once again detected in four places including drinking water sources in Kuttipuram, where an outbreak of the deadly disease was reported earlier this month. The bacteria was found in six of the 13 samples collected and examined by the Kozhikode based Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) after cholera was reported in the area, said Dr Vijith Vijayashankar, medical officer of the Taluk Hospital in Kuttipuram.
Besides the drains and a private well in Kuttipuram town, the presence of bacteria was found in samples collected from wells at two houses of Mallurkadavu and Perashanur. the areas adjacent to Kuttipuram. The private well in the town is a major drinking water supply hub for the eateries and some restaurants near the bus stand. The supply from the well and the use of the residential wells have been prevented due to health risks.
The health authorities have also conducted a super chlorination in the wells. In an earlier study by the district health department, the bacteria was detected in three drainages in the town. Following the confirmed presence of cholera bacteria in what is believed to be safe drinking water sources, the authorities have alerted the residents to use only boiled water.
