Six-Month-Old Baby Dies Due to Contaminated Drinking Water

Summary: In Indore, a six-month-old infant died after drinking milk made with municipal water that was contaminated.

In a tragic incident that occurred in the Marathi Mohalla of the Bhagirathpura area in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a six-month-old infant died after drinking milk diluted with a small amount of municipal tap drinking water. It was much later that the parents realised that the water was contaminated by a sewage leak. Little did the parents know that this small act of diluting water with packaged milk would cost the infant his life.

The victim

The infant was born after ten years of prayers and hope. The family was ecstatic when he was born. He was a healthy baby and much loved.

The incident

The infant began suffering from diarrhoea, and on examination, the doctor prescribed medicines and treatment at home. His condition worsened, and he was rushed to the hospital, where the doctors declared him dead.

The culprit

The culprit in this case is the contaminated municipal drinking water. As prescribed by doctors, the infant was given packaged milk and milk powder diluted with municipal water, as there was insufficient breast milk for him to feed on. This municipal drinking water was contaminated by a leak from the sewer, which led to vomiting and diarrhoea.

The family

The grieving family have refused to accept any compensation from the State Government. Money cannot compensate for the loss of a life, that of a tiny infant.

The residents

It is claimed by the residents of the area that there have been 15 deaths due to the outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea resulting from contaminated drinking water over the past year. More than 1400 people of the area have been suffering from vomiting and diarrhea since the past nine days from 25 December 2025.

However, there is no such claim by the health department, which says that it has noted only four deaths since the outbreak

The Health Department

The Health Department said that 272 patients were admitted to hospitals till January 01, 2026, of which 76 were discharged, and at least 32 are hospitalised and undergoing treatment in intensive care units.

The Government

The Government of Madhya Pradesh declared a compensation of Rupees two lakhs to each of the families of deceased persons, who died as a result of drinking contaminated water.
The Deputy Chief Minister is monitoring the water contamination incident and has ensured proper treatment for the affected. He also said that an investigation will be led to detect the reason for the contamination of the drinking water.

Conclusion

Infants are born with an underdeveloped immune system. It is with age that the immune system develops. Parents should adopt safe feeding habits for their infants.

Here are some pointers :

Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding of infants till they are six months old is advised. No additional water is required for them, unless their doctor prescribes it.
Boil water: Water should always be boiled if it is to be mixed with milk formula or milk powder. Method: The water should be at a rolling boil for at least one minute, then cooled and added to the milk formula/powder.
No direct tap water: Water directly from the tap or municipal water should not be used, as it may contain bacteria that are lethal for infants but harmless for adults.
Hygiene: High hygiene should be practised – sterilisation of water bottles, nipples, and feeding utensils is important. Careful washing of hands before preparing the feeds for the infants is mandatory.
Monitor: Monitor your infant for the onset of any symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, refusal to feed or lethargy. Immediately consult the doctor if any symptoms are noticed or persist.