Patiala, July 7 -- A diarrhoea outbreak has been reported in Patiala City's Alipur Arriyan area, with 65 people, including children, falling ill. Two suspected deaths due to diarrhoea, including a two-year-old girl, have also been reported. Health department officials have confirmed that the two deceased individuals were members of the same family. Of the 65 who were taken ill, 10 have been hospitalised at Government Mata Kaushalya Hospital and Government Rajindra Hospital. During an anti-dengue drive, Patiala health officials discovered a diarrhoea outbreak after residents exhibiting symptoms were admitted to hospitals on Friday. Confirming the outbreak, Dr Divjot Singh, district epidemiologist, said that health teams had already been camping at the outbreak site. He added that they had already collected 10 water samples from the affected area and sent them to the government laboratory to ascertain bacterial contamination. "Chlorine tablets have been distributed to the affected area, while the regular water supply has already been stopped. Potable water is being supplied through water tanks," said Dr Divjot. Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh visited the affected area and said, "The illegal water connections often lead to leaks. Besides, use of hydraulic water pumps mixes sewage water with potable water. We are in the process of disconnecting illegal water connections."...