Nayagarh: Jaundice scare spreads in six villages of Kridaspur panchayat under Sadar block in Nayagarh district after more than 50 persons were found infected from the malaise.
Locals alleged that the disease is spreading like wildfire due to contaminated drinking water.
The locals who have been infected to the water-borne disease belong to Kibili, Gabadihi, Jemadeipur Patna, Kridaspur, Kodie Kahania and Jautuka Patna villages and maximum numbers of patients are of Jautuka Patna.
In that particular village 20 persons including pregnant women and local Sarpanch’s wife have come under the spread due to the usage of contaminated piped water, said Jayanti Pradhan, an anganwadi worker.
While the sarpanch Antaryami Das’s wife Snehalata has been jaundice-infected, another eight-month-pregnant woman Tikina Pradhan is also suffering from the disease; she is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.
Others who are suffering from the village are Balunki Parida, Trilochan Muduli, Anant Parida, Kuni Parida, Sumant Parida, Madhav Pradhan, Kanhu Pradhan, Pabitra Majhi, Archana Muduli, Kanduri Dakua and Tikina Pradhan.
At least 15 persons including Prafulla Behera, Balabhadra Sahoo, Chhatia Behera of Kanchanabili village are infected while 10 persons including Dhaneswar Swain, Manas Swain and Binod Pradhan of Kodie Kahania village are showing the symptoms. Similarly, Kailash Das of Gabadihi village and two persons of Jemadeipur have fallen ill.
For the last few days, the malaise is speeding its grip as another nearby village is showing cases of infection. After reports said that the water-borne disease is spreading due to the pipe water, drinking water supply to the area has been stopped since the last four days.
Locals alleged that the water is being contaminated due to the lack of sanitation of the water tank.
After the matter came to light, a team from Badapandusar community health centre visited the spot and advised the locals to drink boiled water as a precautionary measure. However, Nayagarh district Chief Medical Officer Dr.Fanindra Kumar Panigrahi couldn’t be contacted in this matter.
On the other hand, Additional District Medical Officer Dr.Sweta Mohapatra claimed ignorance over the spreading of jaundice in the villages.
PNN