ASTORE – A cholera and gastroenteritis outbreak has gripped Gilgit-Baltistan’s Astore district, with at least 750 people hospitalised in just four days, District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Nawab Ahmed Khan confirmed on Wednesday.
Dr. Khan said around 90 percent of cases are now under control but described the situation as alarming. “I applied 60 drips to a single patient in one day,” he noted, adding that many patients required treatment even after discharge.
Sudden Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Water
According to a report by the deputy commissioner, the crisis began on August 30, when Astore’s District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital saw an unusual influx of patients suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting.
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Aug 30: 80 cases reported at DHQ Hospital
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Aug 31: 150 new patients, with 8 referred to Gilgit
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Sept 1: Total hospitalised rose to 450 at DHQ and medical camps
The patients came from several areas, including Pattipura, Lous, Chongrah, Eidgah, Government Colony, Gorikot, Parishing, and Shounter. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far.
A preliminary medical assessment pointed to contaminated water sources. Water tanks and supply lines were inspected, and four out of eight water samples tested positive for cholera.
Emergency Measures Taken
As a precaution, the district administration suspended water supplies, cleaned and disinfected tanks, and arranged for water tankers and bottled water distribution. Authorities have also enforced strict chlorination protocols to prevent further spread.
The official report noted that Astore has now shifted from “rapid escalation to early stabilisation,” with daily cases showing a decline. Response efforts include:
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Medical surge capacity at hospitals
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Water and sanitation interventions
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Risk communication campaigns
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Multi-agency coordination for rapid control
Broader Health Risks in GB
Gilgit-Baltistan has been battling multiple waterborne diseases amid monsoon-triggered floods. Shortages of clean drinking water have left thousands vulnerable in districts such as Diamer, Shigar, Skardu, Astore, and Gilgit.
Government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq warned that children under five are increasingly falling ill with cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid, and pneumonia, stressing the urgency of clean water access.
