Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Explained: Indore Water Contamination Linked to E. coli and Klebsiella Bacteria — What Are They?

<span>Indore water contamination</span> is linked to fecal bacteria like E coli and <span>Klebsiella</span>, confirmed officials. These bacteria are known to cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. The death toll too have risen to 10, confirmed the local officials. Indore councillor Kamal Waghela said that two more persons died on Thursday night. The laboratory tests of the water supplied through the Narmada pipeline in Bhagirathpura, which is the epicentre of the outbreak confirmed E coli and Klebsiella bacteria to be the culprits.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/former-australia-test-star-damien-martyn-in-hospital-with-meningitis-article-153374710" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Australian Cricketer Damien Martyn in Hospital With Meningitis</a> 

<h2>What Happened In Indore That Led To Water Contamination? </h2>

The <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/sewage-mixing-with-drinking-water-kills-7-in-madhya-pradeshs-indore-over-100-remain-hospitalized-article-153382965" data-type="tilCustomLink">outbreak </a> occurred due to lapses in civic infrastructure. Investigation revealed that a toilet constructed directly above a main drinking pipeline near a police outpost, without a mandatory safety tank resulted in the sewage mixing with drinking water.

Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Kumar said, “We have found that in case of the construction of the toilet, no safety tank was constructed beneath it. We are also probing the other lapses.”

<h2>What Is E. Coli - The Bacteria Found In Indore Contaminated Water?</h2>

Escherichia coli, or E.coli is a bacterium that lives in the human intestine and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these bacteria are commonly found in environment, food, water, and the intestines of people and animals. While most E.coli are harmless, some can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses. 

WebMD writes that one can swallow E.coli from contaminated water, as in the case of Indore, a toilet was constructed directly above the main drinking water pipeline, without a mandatory safety tank, which may have led to the contamination. Studies have also shown that some E.coli could regrow even after chlorine treatment.

<h2>What Is Klebsiella - The Bacteria Found In Indore Contaminated Water?</h2>

CDC notes that Klebsiella is a type of gram-negative bacteria which is also found in human stool and can cause healthcare-associated infections or HAIs. They are also highly resistant to antibiotics and can also resist carbapenems, which is the last line of defense against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. 

Klebsiella can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections and meningitis. 

It can spread from person-to-person contact, which is one of the most common way of spreading. Other ways could also be from contact with contaminated water or soil, contact with contaminated equipment, for example, ventilators, breathing machines, or intravenous catheters. Klebsiella cannot spread through the air. 

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/sewage-mixing-with-drinking-water-kills-7-in-madhya-pradeshs-indore-over-100-remain-hospitalized-article-153382965" data-type="tilCustomLink">Sewage Mixing With Drinking Water Kills 7 in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, Over 100 Remain Hospitalized</a>

<h2>What Actions Have Been Taken So Far In Indore?</h2>

As of now, the water supply Assistant Engineer (AE) has been suspended, and the sub-engineer relieved of duty. The Zonal Officer has also been suspended for failing to ensure proper coordination. “The zonal officer has been suspended because he should have seen overall coordination,” Commissioner Kumar said.

“We have found a few chambers that intersect the distribution line. We are getting them diverted,” Kumar also noted.

Authorities have stepped up efforts to contain the crisis and avert further casualties. District Magistrate Shivam Verma said the response has been extensive, with around 149 people currently hospitalised and survey teams conducting door-to-door checks. By 31 December, 2025, nearly 2,700 houses had already been covered.

The survey has been extended to other surrounding areas in Indore to check the water quality and to know whether the contamination has spread beyond Bhagirathpura, which was the initial epicentre. for precaution, ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives are also distributing oral rehydration solution (ORS) to residents.

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Indore water contamination is linked to fecal bacteria like E coli and Klebsiella, confirmed officials. These bacteria are known to cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. The death toll too have risen to 10, confirmed the local officials. Indore councillor Kamal Waghela said that two more persons died on Thursday night. The laboratory tests of the water supplied through the Narmada pipeline in Bhagirathpura, which is the epicentre of the outbreak confirmed E coli and Klebsiella bacteria to be the culprits.Also Read: Australian Cricketer Damien Martyn in Hospital With Meningitis What Happened In Indore That Led To Water Contamination? The outbreak  occurred due to lapses in civic infrastructure. Investigation revealed that a toilet constructed directly above a main drinking pipeline near a police outpost, without a mandatory safety tank resulted in the sewage mixing with drinking water.Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Kumar said, “We have found that in case of the construction of the toilet, no safety tank was constructed beneath it. We are also probing the other lapses.”What Is E. Coli - The Bacteria Found In Indore Contaminated Water?Escherichia coli, or E.coli is a bacterium that lives in the human intestine and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these bacteria are commonly found in environment, food, water, and the intestines of people and animals. While most E.coli are harmless, some can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses. E. Coli from Contaminated WaterWebMD writes that one can swallow E.coli from contaminated water, as in the case of Indore, a toilet was constructed directly above the main drinking water pipeline, without a mandatory safety tank, which may have led to the contamination. Studies have also shown that some E.coli could regrow even after chlorine treatment.What Is Klebsiella - The Bacteria Found In Indore Contaminated Water?CDC notes that Klebsiella is a type of gram-negative bacteria which is also found in human stool and can cause healthcare-associated infections or HAIs. They are also highly resistant to antibiotics and can also resist carbapenems, which is the last line of defense against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. Klebsiella can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections and meningitis. It can spread from person-to-person contact, which is one of the most common way of spreading. Other ways could also be from contact with contaminated water or soil, contact with contaminated equipment, for example, ventilators, breathing machines, or intravenous catheters. Klebsiella cannot spread through the air. Also Read: Sewage Mixing With Drinking Water Kills 7 in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, Over 100 Remain HospitalizedWhat Actions Have Been Taken So Far In Indore?As of now, the water supply Assistant Engineer (AE) has been suspended, and the sub-engineer relieved of duty. The Zonal Officer has also been suspended for failing to ensure proper coordination. “The zonal officer has been suspended because he should have seen overall coordination,” Commissioner Kumar said.“We have found a few chambers that intersect the distribution line. We are getting them diverted,” Kumar also noted.Authorities have stepped up efforts to contain the crisis and avert further casualties. District Magistrate Shivam Verma said the response has been extensive, with around 149 people currently hospitalised and survey teams conducting door-to-door checks. By 31 December, 2025, nearly 2,700 houses had already been covered.The survey has been extended to other surrounding areas in Indore to check the water quality and to know whether the contamination has spread beyond Bhagirathpura, which was the initial epicentre. for precaution, ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives are also distributing oral rehydration solution (ORS) to residents.