Jaundice outbreak triggers panic in Himachal's Mandi district, 17 cases reported

At least 17 cases of jaundice have been reported in Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, prompting officials to seal three natural water sources suspected to be the cause of the outbreak.

As many as 17 cases of jaundice have been reported from Ward No 2 of the Municipal Council Sundernagar in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district over the past few days, officials said on Friday.

The outbreak has triggered panic in Sundernagar and adjoining areas. At present, one person is admitted to the Community Health Centre in Sundernagar.

According to locals, many students of an ITI have also shown symptoms of jaundice, though officials are yet to confirmed the number.

Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Division Sundernagar, Rajat Garg said the department has been collecting water from various locations, including the affected areas, since May 11.

''None of the water samples from Jal Shakti Department supply were found contaminated,'' Garg said.

However investigations revealed that the affected persons had been using water from three natural water sources, which have now been sealed by the department, he said.

On Friday, the department also collected samples from several educational institutions and directed authorities to clean water tanks.

Garg said the department has launched an awareness campaign urging residents to use water only from official supply schemes and to boil water before consumption.

The Health Department also initiated a separate campaign to contain the situation.

Earlier a jaundice outbreak was reported in the Gohar area during February and March and was brought under control after sustained awareness and monitoring drives conducted over three months.