Srinagar, Aug 31: Even as more than 130 cases of gastroenteritis were reported from different parts of the Valley on Tuesday.
 At least 70 new cases of gastroenteritis and mixed infection were reported from different hospitals in central Kashmir’s Budgam district that was worst hit by cholera and other infectious disease.
 However, no new cases of cholera were reported today in the district—an indication that the situation was improving.
 Sources said though some of the patients had cholera like symptoms, they were treated in the district health institutions, and most of them were discharged.
 “Our medical teams are actively involving village heads, local Imams to educate people. There is no need to panic as number of cases has fallen,” The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Abdullah told Greater Kashmir.
 More than 57 villages of the district including Khansahab were badly hit by the acute infectious diseases including cholera and gastroenteritis.
 A 13-member team of doctors from Government Medical College led by Dr Salim Khan, on the directions of the College principal, Dr Shahida Mir, today visited the affected villages to asses the situation.
 The team had a detailed discussion with the district health authorities regarding various aspects of cholera and other infectious diseases and the measures taken by them to prevent these from spreading. 
 In Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipore district, more than 60 cases of gastroenteritis were reported from different hospitals. 
 “Most of these patients have been discharged after treatment and there is no need to panic,” Chief Medical Officer, Dr Iftikhar, told Greater Kashmir. However he added that 12 patients with acute disorder were referred to Srinagar.
 The worst hit villages of the district were Magarpora, Inderkoot, Murtaza abad, Wangipora and Singapore in Hajin Block.
 Director Health, Dr Muhammad Amin Wani told Greater Kashmir that the situation was fast improving.
 “Our major concern was Budgam. But the trend for the past few days is a clear indication that health department has been able to tackle the health concern. We are optimistic that by next week we will be able to put lid on it,” he asserted.
(WITH INPUTS FROM TARIQ RASOOL)

Lastupdate on : Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST