The threat of a cholera outbreak loomed large over the City with 46 suspected cases of the disease being admitted at Isolation Hospital since Sunday. Seven cases which tested positive for cholera under the hanging drop method, at St Martha's Hospital (5) and St Philomena's Hospital (2), were referred to Isolation Hospital. According to BBMP, 35 cases of gastroenteritis (GE) were reported from various parts of the City over the past two days, the highest number of them from Shamanna Garden and surrounding areas in Jagajivanram Nagar. Twenty-six people from Jagajivanram Nagar were admitted to various hospitals, but were later discharged. Nine others were treated for infections arising from consumption of contami-nated water. However, Dr Gayathri, Chief Health Officer, BBMP visited the area and said that the water being supplied was safe for drinking. However, some water samples have been sent for testing. Suspecting contaminated food as the reason for the outbreak, BBMP has cautioned the public about unhealthy food and water. Meanwhile, the women and children's ward at Isolation Hospital (IH), was teeming with patients. From a two-year-old child to a 90-year-old woman, the ward was chock-a-block. Extra beds were put up in the corridor. While a good many cases were from different localities such as Shivajinagar, Cubbonpet and Cottonpet, there were 23 cases alone from Shamanna Garden, RPC Layout, and Vijaynagar. The hospital reported admission of 15 female patients, 18 children and 13 men. Ten-year-old Syed Zaffer of Shamanna Garden, reached IH in a severely dehydrated state, after being referred from a private hospital in Vijaynagar and St Martha's Hospital. His mother Najumunisa said that her daughter too was ill, but in a much better condition than her boy. Two-year-old Sunain of Bamboo Bazaar, Shivajinagar, was taken to CSI hospital on Friday and seemed stabilising. But her condition took a turn for the worse and she tested positive, her mother Shyama said. Gautam, son of Leela from Cubbonpet, complained that he had a a tough time as many private hospitals refused admission. Health Secretary Madan Gopal, who visited the hospital, said that the situation was under control. Since 23 cases were reported from one area, the BBMP had taken appropriate measures there.