Diarrhoea outbreak at residential complex in Goa, water contamination suspected

Suspected water contamination has led to 149 cases of diarrhoea at a residential complex at Dabolim in South Goa district within a week, officials said on Thursday (March 19, 2026).

The outbreak was reported at the Prabhu Violetta residential complex which has nearly 200 apartments.

Residents have lodged a police complaint against the builder, Prabhu Realtors, alleging illegal discharge of untreated sewage within the complex, thereby endangering public health.

The affected persons include children and elderly residents, many of whom complained of vomiting, dehydration and severe abdominal pain, with several requiring hospitalisation, officials said.

A house-to-house survey conducted by the Cortalim Primary Health Centre (PHC) since March 14 has identified 149 cases, including three cases detected on March 17.

Authorities have collected water samples from various points within the area, including a residential flat, the underground sump supplying tap water, a swimming pool and treated sewage lines used for gardening, amid suspicion that contaminated water may have caused the outbreak, officials said.

The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has also carried out an independent inspection and sampling exercise.

As a precautionary step, Cortalim PHC medical officer in-charge Dr Tejan Lotlikar on Thursday directed the builder to immediately stop supplying borewell water to residents until test reports are available, citing it as a possible source of contamination.