Gandhinagar has reported a worrying spike in suspected typhoid cases, with over 100 people falling ill within the last five days, officials confirmed on Saturday. Around 104 patients, including several children, are currently receiving treatment at the city’s Civil Hospital.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited the hospital to assess the situation, interacting with patients and their families. He said a dedicated medical task force of 22 doctors has been deployed to manage the cases, while senior district officials have been instructed to monitor developments round the clock.

Sanghavi said treatment facilities and patient monitoring are being continuously strengthened, adding that arrangements for meals and accommodation have also been made for attendants of those admitted. The district administration, along with local civic leaders, is personally overseeing these support measures.

Health officials noted a sharp escalation in cases over the past three days, with confirmed positives rising by nearly 50 per cent. A majority of those affected have been children, leading to increased admissions in the paediatric ward.

Medical Superintendent Dr Mita Parikh said all hospitalised patients are stable. She added that preliminary testing of water samples from affected localities indicated that the drinking water supply was unsafe, raising concerns about waterborne transmission.

In response, the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation’s health department has launched door-to-door inspections in impacted areas to trace the source of the infection. Residents have been advised to boil drinking water, avoid outside food and rely on freshly prepared meals at home. Chlorine tablets are also being distributed for disinfecting water storage tanks.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who represents Gandhinagar in Parliament, has been in regular contact with the district administration, reviewing the situation multiple times during the day. Further assessments are expected as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the outbreak and work to prevent further spread.