Puri: After Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Khurda, a jaundice outbreak affecting over 10 persons has been reported from Nuadokanda village and surrounding areas in Kanas block of Odisha’s Puri district.
The cases are believed to have stemmed from contamination in the Daya River, which locals rely on for daily needs.
According to sources, medical teams from the District Public Health Department visited the affected areas on Saturday to conduct on-ground assessments, interact with residents, and evaluate sanitation and water sources. Water samples from the Daya River and other local sources have been c
ollected and dispatched to laboratories for testing to confirm if polluted drinking water is the primary cause.
“We have collected water samples as well as samples from all suspected cases. At this stage, we can only comment after the conclusive reports are received. Currently, there are three active patients, and they were already receiving treatment,” Medical Officer at Kanas Community Health Centre Bibek Anurag told reporters
Meanwhile, residents have been advised to avoid using river water, and consume only boiled or purified water, practice good hygiene, and seek immediate medical help if symptoms appear.
The outbreak has reignited political criticism, with BJD leader Ramaranjan Baliarsingh accusing the government of inaction. He pointed out that authorities had assured the Human Rights Commission of establishing a Wastewater Treatment Plant. “However, the DPR for this plant — for which ₹176 crore has been allocated — has not yet been submitted, and work has not begun,” he alleged.