Cook suspect source of infection that killed 11 at Jaipur care home - Hindustan Times
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Cook suspect source of infection that killed 11 at Jaipur care home

Hindustan Times | By, Jaipur
May 02, 2016 10:02 PM IST

A five-member team investigating the deaths of 11 specially abled people at a government-run home visited those under treatment in Jaipur on Monday.

A five-member team investigating the deaths of 11 specially abled people at a government-run home visited those under treatment in Jaipur on Monday.

A central team visits the JK Lon Hospital in Jaipur where Jamdoli care home inmates are undergoing treatment.(Himanshu Vyas/HT Photo)
A central team visits the JK Lon Hospital in Jaipur where Jamdoli care home inmates are undergoing treatment.(Himanshu Vyas/HT Photo)

Union health minister JP Nadda sent the team of experts, including a paediatrician, a microbiologist and an epidemiologist, to investigate the source of the contamination that resulted in the deaths of the 11, including eight children, between April 16 and 27 at the Jamdoli-based home.

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The Rajasthan high court has sought a reply from the state government on May 5 on a public interest litigation filed in this regard.

Another inmate, Marium, 17, fell ill on Monday, taking the total number of children being treated at JK Lone Hospital and SMS Hospital to 14. However, none of them are said to be critical and are expected to be discharged soon.

Dr KC Agarwal, who is part of the team, said infections are common in summers. If contaminated water is consumed, the person can suffer from gastroenteritis or cholera. He said post mortem and other reports are being analysed to determine the exact cause.

Infection is largely believed to be the reason for the deaths. However, culture and viscera samples are being examined to determine what factors resulted in the fatal infection, said Sawai Man Singh Medical College principal and controller Dr US Agarwal.

A cook at the home with cholera-like infection is being treated at the SMS Hospital, and it is being investigated if he was the source of the infection, he added.

The caretaker of the home, Mohan Verma, was suspended on Monday.

A delegation of women and civil society members submitted a memorandum to social justice and empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi, demanding to move the home from Jamdoli to Sethi Colony. They also demanded that a permanent committee comprising specially-abled children, parents, experts, NGOs and government representatives be set up to conduct regular inspections of such homes.

Also, they want an FIR to be lodged against the officer in-charge and the home staff, who they blame for the incident, and demanded a greater punishment than just suspension.

After investigation, the team of doctors will submit its findings and suggest public health measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

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