Jaundice haunts Cuttack again

CUTTACK: Fresh outbreak of jaundice has spread panic among residents of the Millennium City. 
More than 15 persons are reported to be suffering from jaundice at Kathagada Sahi in Ward 26 of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). Use of contaminated drinking water due to leakage in water supply pipelines stretching close to drains is said to be the cause behind the resurgence of the water-borne disease. 

Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak confirmed the outbreak of the disease and said a joint inspection team comprising officials of Health department, CMC and Public Health Engineering Organisation (PHEO) visited the affected locality on Friday to take stock of the situation. 
“So far, 10 persons of Kathagada Sahi are suffering from the disease. We have collected water samples and sent the same for tests to confirm the source and type of contamination,” said Dr Nayak.

Besides distribution of halogen tablets and sprinkling of bleaching powder, steps have already been taken to maintain sanitation and hygiene in the affected locality by intensifying cleanliness drives, he said.
“The CMC has started providing safe drinking water through tankers to the residents of the locality to prevent further spread of the disease,” said chairman of CMC’s standing committee on public health Ranjan Biswal.

Further steps would be undertaken after getting the water sample test report, he added. 
Meanwhile, panic-stricken residents of Kathagada Sahi have demanded replacement of leaking and damaged drinking water pipelines stretching over drains. They also sought desilting of clogged drains that are overflowing in their locality.