Jaundice outbreak in Ferozepur village, 13-year-old girl dies

In a suspected jaundice outbreak, a 13-year-old girl died while 22 other children tested positive for the condition at Hazarasingh Wala village situated along the India-Pakistan border in Mamdot block of this district. Four children have been admitted to the Civil Hospital.

The outbreak, suspected to be caused by contaminated water, has alarmed the health authorities. An extensive house-to-house survey has been launched in the village.

A total of 58 blood samples were tested and 22 of these tested positive for leptospirosis, a bacterial infection often transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated with animal urine.

Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said an inquiry had been ordered and a detailed report was expected within 72 hours. She said all confirmed cases of jaundice were under intensive surveillance. As a precautionary measure, the existing water supply to the village has been temporarily suspended. The Rural Development and Panchayats Department has been asked to provide water tankers to help villagers.

The deceased, Shailja, a student of Class 4, had developed high fever and symptoms consistent with jaundice before her condition deteriorated. “We took it as normal illness, but her condition kept worsening. If timely steps had been taken regarding provision of clean drinking water, perhaps her life could have been saved,” said her mother Seema Singh, adding that her elder daughter Monica (15) and son Rahul (10) were suffering from stomach infection.

Civil Medical Officer Rajeev Parashar said, “All those children who have been tested positive for jaundice are stable and there is no need to panic,” “A 30-bed special ward has been set up at Mamdot Health Centre, and over 300 residents have been examined,” he said.