Jaundice Spreads To New Areas In Cuttack

Cuttack: Panic has gripped the Millennium City with jaundice cases being reported from newer areas.

Though the official report stated that 20 people have been afflicted with the water-borne disease, unofficially the number is much higher.

Sources said the disease has spread to Teli Sahi, Press Colony and Labour Colony.

A resident of Nuapada here, from where the disease resurfaced a couple of days ago, blamed Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is currently undertaking underground sewerage work in the city, for the jaundice scare.

“JICA is responsible for rupture of underground drinking water pipelines while the authorities of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) are not taking any step to repair or replace the damaged pipelines,” the resident said, hinting at lack of coordination between JICA and CMC.

“The drinking water has been contaminated resulting in the outbreak of jaundice,” the resident added.

Talking to the mediapersons on Monday, chairman of CMC Health Committee Ranjan Biswal said a team led by the district collector, CMC Mayor, CMC Commissioner and officers of the department concerned had visited the affected areas for a survey.

“The Roads and Building (R&B) officials have been asked to expedite replacement of damaged pipelines. Besides arrangements have been made by Public Health Engineer Organisation (PHEO) to supply drinking water in the affected areas through water tankers provided by the CMC,” Biswal said.

He said the CMC would set up health camps in the affected areas and apprise people of precautionary measures against jaundice.