SRINAGAR: A jaundice outbreak has affected at least nine children in Khaloora village of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. All patients are in stable condition and under close surveillance, officials reported on Wednesday.
Locals said that several children have contracted jaundice due to contaminated water supplied to the area. They criticised the relevant department for failing to maintain sanitation, despite repeated requests to clean the supply system of accumulated dirt.
Block Medical Officer Kulgam, Dr A R Shan said that out of 20 samples taken, nine tested positive for jaundice, with all patients stable and under surveillance.
Dr Shan confirmed that water samples from the village returned unsatisfactory results. “The spread is due to impure water. Residents have been advised to take precautions, especially to drink only boiled water. Health teams are also visiting the area regularly,” he said.
Officials from the Jal Shakti department stated that a new water supply scheme for the village would soon be operational and acknowledged the current water supply issues. “Yes, the village is facing water supply issues. A new scheme will be in place for the area very soon,” an official said—(KNO).
