Suspected water contamination led to 149 cases of diarrhea in a week in a residential complex in Dabolim in South Goa district, officials said on Thursday (Mar 19, 2026).
The outbreak was reported in the Prabhu Violetta residential complex, which has nearly 200 flats.
Residents filed a police complaint against the builder, Prabhu Realtors, alleging illegal discharge of untreated sewage within the complex, endangering public health.
Those affected 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 Center (PHC) since March 14 has identified 149 cases, including three cases detected on March 17.
Authorities took water samples from various locations in the area, including a residential apartment, an underground sump that supplies tap water, a swimming pool and cleaned drains used for gardening, on suspicion that contaminated water may have caused the outbreak, officials said.
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) also conducted an independent inspection and sampling.
As a precautionary measure, Cortalim PHC Medical Officer-in-Charge Dr Tejan Lotlikar on Thursday ordered the builder to immediately stop the supply of water to the residents from the borewell pending test reports, citing it as a possible source of contamination.
Published – 20 March 2026 03:16 IST
