A BSTRACT Background: Diarrheal diseases remain a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with inadequate water sanitation. In August 2024, an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis was reported from Malangam, Bandipora, with multiple admissions at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura. An outbreak investigation was conducted to identify the source, epidemiological characteristics, and risk factors associated with the outbreak. Objectives: To investigate the cases of acute diarrheal illness reporting to tertiary care hospital and determine the potential risk factors, and provide recommendations for specific prevention and control. Study Design: A cross-sectional epidemiological study. Materials and Methods: Pre-designed, pre-tested epidemiological case sheet was used. The cases were contacted in person wherever possible, and those cases that were not available in person were contacted telephonically, while case interviews were conducted for all of them. Results: A total of 117 cases were diagnosed with acute diarrheal illness during the study period. Female patients were more in number. It was found that the mean age of the cases was 45 years, with a standard deviation of ±21.8 years, indicating a wide age distribution among patients. The occupational profile of patients indicated that homemakers were the most affected group. Among the admitted cases, around one-third of patients (29.1%) were residents of Srinagar district. The primary source of drinking water for the majority of the cases (62.4%) was piped water, followed by spring water which accounted for 37.6% of cases. The majority of patients experienced multiple episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea. A total of 13 deaths were recorded during the study period. Conclusion: The investigation indicated that the outbreak was waterborne due to untreated water. Strengthening sanitation infrastructure and promoting safe water practices are essential to prevent future outbreaks.
Tariq et al. (Sun,) studied this question.