An alarming number of jaundice cases reported in Jorakula hamlet under Baisimouza area at Biridi block has spread panic among the locals and put the district hospital authorities in a tizzy.
At least 10 persons have been affected by the water-borne disease in Jorakula hamlet under Purana gram panachayat; and, two of them have been shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack for treatment. However, their conditions were stated to be critical, informed Sarpanch Yudhistir Behera. Other jaundice victims were hospitalized at the Biridi Hospital and while some others were undergoing treatment at home.
The situation can be under control for they have launched an awareness drive to educate locals against the water-borne disease and blood samples of affected victims have been sent to District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for medical examination. Meanwhile, the Rural Water Supply Department officials have been pressed in to service to clean local tube wells, ponds and water reservoirs, said a medical officer of the Biridi Hospital.
Contaminated drinking water, consumption of unhygienic foods and poor sanitation in locality are said to be the major causes of jaundice reported in Jorakula hamlet and steps have been taken in this regard, said Biridi block Public Health Extension officer Bhabani Shankar Haldar.