Hamirpur, March 12 — A jaundice outbreak in villages surrounding Hamirpur town in Himachal Pradesh has infected dozens of residents, including 14 students from a government school, prompting health authorities to launch screening and water testing operations in the affected areas.
Officials said cases have been reported from several villages in the Badu and Swahal areas over the past few days. According to local health authorities, at least 39 people have been identified with symptoms of jaundice, while a number of patients have already recovered after treatment.
Among the infected are 14 students from Government High School Swahal, which has raised concerns about the spread of water-borne diseases in the region. School authorities confirmed that the affected students are undergoing treatment, with some receiving care at a medical college while others are recovering at home.
Health teams launch investigation
Medical and public health teams have been deployed in the villages to identify additional cases and monitor patients. Officials said several water samples have been collected from local supply points and sent for laboratory testing to determine whether contamination is responsible for the outbreak.
Residents have been advised to boil drinking water and maintain strict hygiene practices until the cause of the infection is confirmed. Authorities have also started distributing chlorine tablets in the affected areas as a precautionary measure.
According to officials from the Jal Shakti Department, the investigation is focusing on water supplied through the Jamli drinking water scheme, which serves several villages including Swahal, Bhati and Majhot. The possibility of contamination near the water source is being examined.
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Villages reporting cases
Health department data indicates that infections have been reported from multiple nearby villages. Cases have been identified in Swahal, Badu, Bali, Majhot, Kathal, Dosadka, Mohin and the surrounding industrial area, suggesting that the outbreak is not limited to a single settlement.
Officials said around 25 patients have recovered, while others remain under medical observation. Two to three patients have been admitted to a medical college for treatment, while the remaining patients are receiving care at home under supervision.
Government seeks report
The rising number of infections has drawn attention at the state level. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sought a report from district authorities regarding the situation in his home district and directed health officials to ensure proper treatment for the affected residents, especially schoolchildren.
Local residents have expressed concern about the possible contamination of drinking water, with some alleging that wastewater from nearby industrial units may be contributing to the problem. Authorities, however, said the exact cause will be confirmed only after laboratory analysis of water samples.
Health officials said screening drives and awareness campaigns will continue in the coming days to prevent further spread of the disease.
