CHITTAPUR, As about 16 persons of Etaga village of the taluk are suffering from gastroenteritis, residents of the village feared that contagious diseases are likely to spread across the village as it is summer.

The number of people suffering from gastroenteritis went up to 16 on Friday from nine on Thursday night.

They are being treated at the government hospital of the town. Of the 16 patients, five are suffering from acute gastroenteritis. They have been shifted to district and private hospitals in Kalaburagi.

Taluk Health Officer Dr. Suresh Mekin and Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Anitha P visited and inspected the village.

The residents are likely to be infected with contagious diseases due to contaminated water. Hence, the Panchayat Development Officer Devendrappa should take steps to supply water through tankers, he advised.

A medical team led by Diggoan’s Primary Health Centre doctor Mynoddin has been deployed at the village and a temporary treatment center has been set up at the government primary school of the village to treat gastroenteritis patients.