Almora, Uttarakhand — October 16, 2025: A sudden spate of deaths in Almora’s Dhaula Devi block has triggered concern among residents and health authorities. Seven people have died within 20 days amid a suspected viral fever outbreak, prompting an extensive investigation into possible causes such as typhoid and water contamination.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Naveen Chandra Tiwari of the affected region confirmed that 11 biological samples were sent for testing, of which three have tested positive for typhoid. Water samples from affected areas revealed the presence of coliform bacteria, indicating potential contamination. Following the findings, Dr. Tiwari ordered immediate cleaning of village water tanks and advised residents to consume only boiled or purified water.
According to officials, two of the seven deaths were due to heart attacks, while the other five are suspected to be linked to viral infection. The department is still identifying the exact pathogen behind the outbreak.
Typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, triggers high fever, abdominal pain, and a mix of flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications including internal bleeding, intestinal perforation, neurological effects, and even death.
The disease spreads through ingestion of food or water contaminated by S. Typhi—most often in regions lacking proper sanitation. Antibiotic therapy is essential, and some individuals may continue to carry and transmit the bacteria long after symptoms subside. Timely diagnosis, full completion of treatment, and vaccination in high-risk areas form the backbone of prevention. 1
The latest victim, 70-year-old Ganga Dutt Joshi from Bibdi village, died on October 12 after a bout of high fever. His death marked the seventh fatality within just over two weeks in the region. Locals allege that access to healthcare has been hindered because the road from Bibdi to the Dhaula Devi Community Health Centre has been blocked for over a month, forcing families to seek treatment far from home.
Earlier casualties include Madan Ram from Kabhdi village, ASHA worker Hansi Bhatt from Jageshwar, Pandit Shailendra Pandey from Kheti, and Govind Singh Khani from Naini Bajela. Most of them experienced sudden fever, a rapid drop in platelet count, and severe weakness before death.
In response, four medical teams were dispatched to the area to examine residents and collect water and blood samples. Over 100 people have been screened so far. Another wave of medical teams was sent on October 14 to continue door-to-door health surveys.
The district health administration has now mobilized 16 teams comprising ASHA workers, Community Health Officers (CHOs), and pharmacists to sub-centres in Bibdi, Phulai Jageshwar, Kheti, Bajela, Kabri, and Goli. These teams are distributing health information, testing suspected cases, and spreading awareness on hygiene and clean drinking water.
Dr. Tiwari has directed the Water Supply Department to thoroughly disinfect all public water tanks and monitor supply systems daily. Villagers are being urged to avoid using untreated water for drinking or cooking and to report any fever cases immediately.
Officials are awaiting final laboratory reports to confirm the infection source. Preliminary evidence points to contaminated water as the likely trigger, though other viral agents are not ruled out.
References:
1. Cleveland Clinic. “Typhoid Fever.” Cleveland Clinic, last reviewed February 14, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17730-typhoid-fever.
(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)