Jagatsinghpur: Panic has gripped Dandasahi village under Biridi block in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district following a suspected jaundice outbreak that has affected more than 40 people in less than a week. Preliminary findings point to contaminated tubewell water as the likely cause.
The situation unfolded after several residents fell ill upon consuming water from local tubewells. At least three to four of these sources are now under suspicion, with health officials warning that the contamination may be widespread.
In response, a medical team was dispatched to the village, where treatment is being provided to those showing symptoms. Health workers, along with ASHA and Anganwadi staff, have also begun door-to-door visits to raise awareness about personal hygiene and safe drinking water practices.
Authorities have issued precautionary advisories, urging residents to boil water before consumption, maintain hand hygiene, and avoid open defecation to prevent further spread of the disease.
To ensure access to safe water, the administration has set up temporary alternative drinking water sources. Meanwhile, water samples from the affected tubewells have been collected for testing. Officials say more stringent measures will follow once lab results confirm the cause of the outbreak.
