Panaji, March 19 Suspected water contamination has led to 149 cases of diarrhea at a residential complex in Dabolim, South Goa district, within a week, officials said on Thursday.
The outbreak was reported at the Prabhu Violetta residential complex, which has nearly 200 apartments.
Residents have filed a police complaint against the builder, Prabhu Realtors, alleging illegal discharge of untreated sewage within the complex, thereby endangering public health.
The affected individuals include children and elderly residents, many of whom complained of vomiting, dehydration, and severe abdominal pain, with several requiring hospitalization, 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 measure, Dr Tejan Lotlikar, the in-charge medical officer at the Cortalim PHC, directed the builder to immediately stop supplying borewell water to residents until test reports are available, citing it as a possible source of contamination.