As the count of patients affected with diarrhoea touched 133 in Shimla on Friday, the state government issued an advisory across the state against consumption of drinking water from natural sources and checking open defecation, especially around water sources. The main reason for diarrhoea outbreak in Dhingu Baodi locality of Sanjauli, which has alone reported over 100 cases in the town, was consumption of contaminated water from natural source. Reports of the Health department suggested the cause of contamination was open defection near the area.

The crowded locality of Sanjauli is the worst hit. Health workers are blaming it on use of contaminated water.

State surveillance officer Vinod Mehta said out of the 53 cases, 37 were reported at Sanjauli dispensary, seven at IGMC hospital and nine at Rippon hospital.

"The situation has been contained. Out of the patients who reported ill on Friday, only one has been hospitalized," said Mehta.

The outbreak had claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy two days ago. He was brought dead to the hospital, the health officer stated.

Even as results of water samples sent for laboratory testing are awaited, the surveillance officer ruled out food contamination.