At least two persons died and some others were hospitalised after purportedly drinking contaminated water in Phoop town in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh over the last two days, an official said on Wednesday.

Some samples of contaminated water showed excess Nitrate content and the presence of bacteria, indicating a mixing of drain water in the supply lines.

The water-borne infection was reported from mainly three municipal wards in the area from Monday morning, with the number of patients suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea going up to 84.

In view of the steady rise in the number of patients, the health department has set up a camp in the area, In-charge Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) DK Sharma told reporters.

"Contamination of water could be the probable cause. Water samples have been sent for analysis," he said, adding that the water investigation report is awaited.

Of the 84 persons who have complained of vomiting and diarrhoea in three municipal wards, some seriously ill patients were referred to Gwalior for treatment while others were admitted to the district hospital, Sharma said.

Several persons have recovered and returned home, he added.

"Two elderly men have died due to vomiting and loose motions," he said and clarified that the death of a girl two days back was not related to the water contamination.

"She died due to fever," he added.

Meanwhile, Executive Engineer of Public Health Engineering (PHE) RK Rajput referred to reports about the spread of infection due to consumption of contaminated water, following which samples of water were collected.

He said Nitrate was found beyond prescribed limits in the collected water samples.

Bacteria were also found in two of the six samples, which shows the possibility of drain water getting mixed with supply lines, he said.

Rajput said this information has been shared with the local municipal body and chlorination was suggested for disinfecting the water.

"Residents are suggested to use water only after boiling," he said, adding that more samples were collected on Wednesday and sent for analysis.

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