Jaundice outbreak in Shopian, two test positive

Jaundice outbreak in Shopian, two test positive

Locals slam authorities for contaminated water; screening process underway, says official

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, Jan 30 (KNO): An outbreak of jaundice in Pahnoo village of south Kashmir’s Shopian has raised concerns as two persons have tested positive, while many others exhibiting symptoms of the disease.

A health official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the screening process is underway, and two cases have been confirmed positive for jaundice.

Residents allege that the Jal Shakti Department’s failure to provide safe drinking water is the cause of the outbreak in the village.

According to locals, numerous children have tested positive for jaundice. “Some are undergoing tests at private clinics and hospitals in other districts,” they said. They claimed that doctors treating the affected children attributed the jaundice to contaminated water.

Expressing concern over the situation, the residents have urged authorities to address the “life-threatening” issue immediately. “Fever and vomiting are common symptoms among children in the area. The authorities must immediately start mass screening and provide us with potable water,” they said.

Block Medical Officer (BMO) Shopian, Mohammad Yousuf, told KNO that two jaundice cases from Pahnoo Shopian have been reported at District Hospital Shopian.

He said teams have been dispatched to the village to collect samples, and the screening process is in progress.

“The people should not panic but consume boiled water and maintain proper hygiene,” the BMO advised—(KNO)