A sudden outbreak of jaundice in areas surrounding Hamirpur has created panic among residents after more than two dozen people, including 13 schoolchildren, were diagnosed with the disease. Authorities have begun collecting water samples to determine the cause of the outbreak, which has been reported from the Baru and nearby Swahal areas.
Disease Spreading Since March 4
According to reports, the jaundice cases started emerging around March 4 and have continued to rise over the past several days. Among those affected are 13 students from Swahal Government High School, raising concerns about public health and sanitation in the region.
Residents of Baru and Swahal have expressed anger over what they describe as a delay in preventive action by authorities, claiming that timely intervention could have prevented the spread of the disease.
Contaminated Drinking Water Suspected
Locals suspect that contaminated water from the Jamli drinking water scheme may be responsible for the outbreak. The scheme supplies water to several villages, including Swahal, Bhati, and Majhot.
A local resident, Vivek Kaka, alleged that the number of jaundice cases has been increasing rapidly in the past few days and that many schoolchildren have fallen ill. He further claimed that sewage discharge from nearby industrial units could be contaminating the water source and contributing to the spread of the disease.
School Confirms 13 Students Infected
Sandeep Dadhwal, headmaster of Swahal Government High School, confirmed that at least 13 students have been diagnosed with jaundice in recent days. The affected children are currently receiving treatment at a nearby medical college.
He added that the irrigation and public health department has been informed about the situation, and officials have already collected water samples from the school premises and surrounding areas for testing.
Authorities Launch Investigation
Officials from the Jal Shakti and health departments have started investigating the source of the outbreak. Rajesh Garg, Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department in Hamirpur, said that the department received information about the outbreak on Wednesday and promptly collected water samples for laboratory analysis.
Authorities are examining whether contaminated water accumulation near the source or possible sewage leakage from nearby industrial units may have caused the spread of the infection.
CM Sukhu Seeks Report, Directs Immediate Action
Meanwhile, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sought a detailed report from the district administration regarding the situation. The Chief Minister, who is scheduled to visit his home district soon, has directed health officials to ensure proper medical care and adequate medicines for all affected patients, especially schoolchildren.
Health authorities have also urged residents to take precautionary measures, including consuming clean drinking water and maintaining hygiene, until the exact cause of the outbreak is confirmed.
