Water Samples Collected After Jaundice Cases in Hamirpur
A jaundice outbreak in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh has raised serious concern among residents and health authorities after more than two dozen people, including several schoolchildren, were diagnosed with the illness. Officials are now investigating whether contaminated drinking water may have triggered the spread.
The cases have mainly been reported from Baru and Swahal areas near Hamirpur city, where residents claim the problem has been growing for several days. Meanwhile, government departments have started collecting water samples to identify the possible source of infection.
Over Two Dozen Cases Reported Since Early March
Health officials confirmed that the jaundice outbreak in Hamirpur began around March 4 and has already affected more than twenty people. Among those infected are 13 students from Swahal Government High School.
The school administration reported that the affected children are currently receiving treatment at a nearby medical college hospital. Authorities have also been informed so that preventive steps can be taken quickly.
The rising number of cases has created anxiety among local families, especially because many of the patients are schoolgoing children.
Residents Suspect Contaminated Drinking Water
Many locals believe the jaundice outbreak in Hamirpur may be linked to unsafe drinking water supplied through the Jamli water scheme, which provides water to several nearby villages, including Swahal, Bhati, and Majhot.
Residents say polluted water may have collected near the source of the scheme. Some have also raised concerns that sewage discharge from nearby industrial units could be mixing with the water supply. According to them, this contamination may have allowed the infection to spread in the community.
Authorities Collect Water Samples for Investigation
Officials from the Jal Shakti Department and the health department have begun a detailed investigation. Water samples from the school and nearby areas have been collected and sent for testing.
Rajesh Garg, Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department in Hamirpur, said the department received information about the cases on Wednesday. Soon after that, teams collected samples from the affected locations.
Health experts will now analyze these samples to determine whether contaminated water is responsible for the outbreak.
Chief Minister Seeks Report on Situation
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has taken note of the situation ahead of his visit to the district. He has asked the local administration to provide a detailed report on the spread of the disease.
The Chief Minister has also directed health authorities to ensure that all patients receive proper medical care and medicines, with special attention to the affected schoolchildren.
What is Jaundice and Why Does It Spread in Outbreaks
Jaundice is a medical condition in which the skin and the white part of the eyes turn yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin in the body. In many community outbreaks, the condition occurs because of hepatitis A or hepatitis E infections, which commonly spread through contaminated food or drinking water.
Symptoms often include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Because the disease can spread through unsafe water supplies, public health officials often investigate sanitation and water sources during outbreaks like the current jaundice outbreak in Hamirpur.
Precautionary Steps for Residents
Health officials have advised residents in affected areas to follow basic precautions until the investigation is complete:
- Drink only boiled or filtered water
- Maintain proper hand hygiene
- Avoid consuming unclean street food
- Seek medical advice if symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes, fatigue, or vomiting appear
Early treatment and safe water practices can help prevent further spread of the infection.
Authorities are expected to release further updates once laboratory results confirm the exact cause behind the jaundice outbreak in Hamirpur. For now, health departments continue monitoring the situation closely to prevent additional cases.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 13 March 2026
- 11:00
