Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Nov 13: With impure drinking water allegedly identified as the source of infection, nearly nine cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Khaloora village in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Officials told Excelsior that one case was initially brought to the Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, prompting extensive sampling in the area, which led to the detection of eight additional cases, all in children.
“Following the case detection at GMC Anantnag on October 25, sampling was carried out in the village, and of the nearly 20 samples taken, eight more tested positive. In response, we conducted a survey in the village,” Block Medical Officer (BMO) Kulgam, Dr. A R Shan said.
During the sampling, he said, three water samples were taken for testing to confirm the source of infection.
“The water samples tested positive, confirming drinking water as the source of infection. The results were unsatisfactory,” officials reported, while the Jal Shakti Department denies this “claim.”
District health officials stated that all infected individuals are children between the age group of 3 and 12 and are currently stable.
“They have received necessary treatment, are stable, and are carrying on with their day-to-day activities,” they noted.
Notably, over the past few months, several instances of hepatitis cases have emerged in South Kashmir’s districts, with contaminated water identified as the source.
In September, nearly 100 hepatitis cases were reported in Shopian, again linked to impure drinking water. Authorities had stated that steps were taken to ensure safe drinking water.
Locals have alleged authorities have failed to maintain hygiene and provide clean drinking water.
They also accused officials of neglecting the cleaning of the water supply scheme that provides drinking water to the area.
Interestingly, the National Green Tribunal recently criticized district authorities in Shopian and the J&K Pollution Control Committee for failing to take measures to provide clean drinking water to the residents of Pahnoo in Shopian, where jaundice cases had previously emerged.
Health authorities in Kulgam reported that they have conducted awareness campaigns in the village and urged the Jal Shakti Department to take necessary action.
“We are regularly monitoring the health status of those infected and have involved the PHE department, requesting them to implement necessary measures,” officials said.
Authorities also stated that they have advised villagers to take preventive steps, such as using boiled water. “The situation is under control; no one is severely ill, so there is no need to panic,” an official stated.
However, officials from the Jal Shakti Department in the district refused to accept water as the infection source, noting that they supply water to multiple areas.
“If water were the cause, there would have been scores of cases detected by now,” an official stated, adding that they will be issuing a rebuttal on the matter.
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