Epidemiological Investigation of Acute Diarrhoea (Gastroenteritis) and Vomiting Cases in Urban Palitana, Gujarat

Introduction:- Diarrhoea occurs worldwide and causes 4% of all deaths and 5% health loss to disability. Acute diarrhoea and vomiting epidemic occurs in urban Palitana in year 2000.

Aim: - To find out the magnitude, sources of epidemic and to suggest preventive and control measures.

Study design: - Cross sectional study. Persons from Palitana city and persons are coming to Palitana during chatrumaas (July to October months) from different parts of India to celebrate the Jain festival.

Results:-Contaminated water and unhygienic practices to provide the food to the people coming to Palitana from different parts of India, residing in the various dharmshaalas were found to be the cause of this epidemic.