THATTA, April 14: More than 15 people complaining of gastroenteritis were admitted to the Makli Civil Hospital during last 24 hours.

The disease is spreading in Ghulamullah, Makli, Jung Shahi and other adjoining areas with doctors put on alert to provide medical care to patients.

The cause of outbreak is said to be consumption of contaminated water of ditches and stagnant water of canals.

Acute shortage of drinking water has compelled people to use contaminated water, resulting into outbreak of gastroenteritis in several villages.

Thatta district is facing acute water shortage, particularly of drinking water with the result that people in Mirpur Bathoro, Sujawal and other towns relying on underground brackish water have developed skin and stomach diseases.

The concerned authorities have taken no measures to overcome water shortage.