A mysterious fever in Gujarat's Lakhpat has killed 15 over the past eight days, with authorities still unable to pinpoint its cause. The outbreak, initially suspected to be pneumonitis, claimed at least 10 lives, including children, between September 3 and September 7. Since then, five additional deaths have been reported, as reported by Hindustan Times.District Collector Amit Arora announced that 11 samples from the deceased have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for testing. "We expect the results within a day or two. We need to determine whether this is a known virus or something novel," he said.Preliminary tests have ruled out diseases such as H1N1, swine flu, Crimean-Congo fever, malaria, and dengue. Arora noted that there is no evidence suggesting contamination or a communicable disease. Notably, Gujarat has been battered with heavy rainfall and flooding for a few weeks, increasing risks of water-borne diseases and other infections. Meanwhile, in response, officials have deployed 22 surveillance teams and additional medical personnel to Lakhpat, which is located near the Pakistan border. The outbreak has coincided with heavy rainfall and flooding in the region, with the Kutch district receiving about 890mm of rain—184% of the average—by September 10.Waterborne diseases include cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Here's how you can safeguard yourself and your family from these diseases. 1. Ensure Safe Drinking Water: Always consume water from a reliable source. If unsure, boil water for at least one minute or use a certified water purifier to kill harmful pathogens.2. Maintain Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and clean water, especially before eating or handling food. Proper hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of germs that can cause water-borne diseases.3. Avoid Contaminated Water: Steer clear of drinking from untreated water sources such as rivers or ponds. Use bottled or treated water when traveling or in areas with uncertain water quality.4. Practice Proper Sanitation: Ensure proper disposal of human waste and use latrines or toilets to prevent contamination of water sources. Maintain clean and sanitary conditions around water storage areas.5. Clean Food and Water Storage: Use clean containers for storing water and food. Regularly clean and disinfect these containers to prevent contamination.6. Be Cautious with Ice: Avoid using ice made from potentially contaminated water. Use commercially made ice from reputable sources.