In a disturbing development from Hyderabad, one person has died and at least 70 others have reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea at the Institute of Mental Health in Erragadda, Telangana. The alarming outbreak has prompted an urgent investigation, with preliminary findings pointing to possible water contamination within the facility.
According to health officials, the symptoms began surfacing on Sunday night, with several patients and some staff members complaining of severe stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea. By Monday morning, the hospital authorities had recorded 70 cases with one fatality reported. The deceased individual, identified as a long-term patient of the institute, succumbed to the illness before emergency medical intervention could be administered.
Officials from the Telangana health department, along with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) teams, immediately swung into action. Initial water samples taken from the hospital’s supply system are undergoing laboratory testing. Authorities suspect that contaminated drinking water or food served within the hospital premises may be the source of the outbreak.
“All patients have been shifted to the isolation ward and are receiving necessary treatment. We are awaiting the lab reports to confirm the source of infection,” said a senior medical officer from the institute. “We are also inspecting food sources and kitchen hygiene to rule out any secondary causes.”
The Institute of Mental Health in Erragadda is one of the largest mental health facilities in the state, housing over 300 patients. This incident has raised serious concerns over the basic sanitation and healthcare standards maintained at government-run institutions. Relatives of patients have expressed outrage over the lack of timely response and poor hygiene at the facility, urging state authorities to take immediate action.
State Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha has directed health officials to submit a detailed report within 48 hours. He has also ordered the GHMC to conduct a comprehensive sanitation and water quality audit across all government hospitals in Hyderabad.
Public health experts have warned that such water-borne disease outbreaks can escalate quickly if not contained, especially in densely populated or high-vulnerability zones such as mental health institutions. They are calling for improved surveillance mechanisms, better training for hospital staff on hygiene protocols, and immediate investment in infrastructure upgrades.
Conclusion:
The tragic death and mass illness at the Telangana Institute of Mental Health highlight a glaring gap in hospital sanitation standards and infrastructure safety. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a wake-up call for health authorities to enforce stricter hygiene protocols and ensure the well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of society. Timely action, transparency in findings, and accountability will be critical to preventing such occurrences in the future.
