The number of people with jaundice symptoms in Thalakkulathur grama panchayat in Kozhikode district is going up as the Health Department suspects that the “welcome drink” served at a private party had led to the outbreak.
Twenty-three more people were diagnosed with jaundice on Saturday, taking the total number of affected persons to 84. Health officials claimed that only those who had the welcome drink at the function on May 12 were showing the symptoms.
District Medical Officer V. Jayasree told The Hindu that one jaundice-affected person was suspected to have served the drink to those who attended the party. Around 2,000 people were reported to have participated in the feast. Those who had lunch, however, did not show any symptoms.
“The incubation period is 45-50 days. More cases may crop up in the coming days,” Dr. Jayasree said. The first cases were reported on June 11. Precautionary measures to avoid the disease spreading from the affected persons to others were being taken now, she added.
Sources in the department said adulterated ice blocks were reportedly used while mixing the drink. Many of the ice factories are unaware of the hygienic practices to be followed while making ice blocks. Some of them supply ice blocks to fishers to be used for cold storage. It is reported that the same ice blocks are being sold in the market to be used at private parties.
Meanwhile, Health workers continued activities to create awareness among local residents. They also inspected juice parlours, bakeries, and restaurants in the area, and three of them were served notices under the Public Health Act.