Fourteen people fall ill with diarrhoea in Palnadu district

Fourteen persons have fallen ill with diarrhoeal symptoms over the past three days in Ponugotivaripalem village of Ipur mandal in Palnadu district. The administration suspects that the cause could either be contamination of water in the RO plant, which supplies water to the entire village, or the effect of heat.

District Medical and Health Officer Dr. Ravi said all of them, aged between 50 and 70, had mild symptoms of diarrhoea, reporting three-four episodes per day. As of Monday (March 30, 2026), two people are suffering from the infection while the others have recovered, he said, adding that symptoms are lasting for two-three days.

“Most of the affected are agricultural workers. In Palnadu district, this is usually the time for sorting chillies based on their quality, which involves intense work. We suspect the affected may have fallen ill due to heat stroke,” Dr. Ravi said. He also added that it could also be due to not maintaining a proper handwash etiquette after dealing with pesticide-laced chillies.

The administration has gotten the tank cleaned in the village and sent water samples from the RO plant for testing at the Guntur Medical College, he added.