After Cuttack, jaundice spreads to Odisha capital

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 7:

After the water-borne disease spread its tentacles in Cuttack, the jaundice infection is broadening its reach in certain areas in Odisha capital too.

As many as 12 persons were found to be afflicted with jaundice after the blood samples of 30 persons belonging to Jharana Sahi of ward no-53 in the city tested positive for the infection today.

According to sources, the drinking water sources have been contaminated due to breach in piped water supply.

“The quality of drinking water supply is not good. The colour of the water is yellowish,” a resident of the slum said.

“We came to know that drainage system has permeated into the drinking water system. We don’t know about the veracity of the rumours,” a resident of the area expressed.

Meanwhile, a mobile health unit team of the Public Health Department has reached the affected area to collect blood samples of the persons to identify affected persons.

Awareness campaigns have been initiated and distribution of Halogen tablets is being done in the area to help bring the spread of the disease under control.

“A mobile health unit (MHU) had visited the site in the morning in which 12 persons afflicted with jaundice were identified. Though there is piped water facility, the residents are drawing water from a well. We have come for a survey and distributed Halogen tablets to them,” said Dr. Deben Das, Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO), Public Health Unit.

Notably, the affected area is few distance from the Naveen Niwas, the residence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.