Khurda, 5/1 : A concerning jaundice outbreak has been reported at the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Gurujang, Khurda district, Odisha, with samples from around 30 students testing positive for the viral infection. The development has triggered panic among parents and prompted swift action from state health authorities.
According to reports, students began experiencing symptoms shortly after returning to the residential school following the Christmas vacation. Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra stated that one student was diagnosed with jaundice after returning to campus, and subsequently, many others complained of illness, fever, and jaundice-like symptoms. Initial health screenings led to the identification of the outbreak.
While approximately 30 students have confirmed positive cases, test reports for an additional 100 students showing similar symptoms are still awaited. All students who tested positive have been sent home by the school authorities after receiving primary medical treatment, with others also being sent home as a precautionary measure. The JNV Gurujang has a total strength of 569 students enrolled in classes 6 to 12.
The precise source of the outbreak remains under investigation. Water contamination is largely suspected, leading to teams from the Public Health Department, including a food safety officer, and the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) visiting the school premises. These teams have collected water and food samples for testing to ascertain the cause. However, school Vice Principal N.C. Chakra and WATCO General Manager Rajendranath Nayak have reportedly suggested that while water tanks were cleaned regularly and tested safe, consumption of outside food by students or a viral spread from a returning student could also be contributing factors.
In response to the escalating situation, residential school authorities are actively organizing awareness camps to emphasize cleanliness and hygiene. Parents have expressed significant concern and urged officials to ensure stringent monitoring, improved hygiene standards, and robust health safeguards within the residential school to prevent any recurrence of such incidents. The Public Health Department continues to keep a close watch on the situation, with appropriate actions expected to bring the outbreak under control.
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