Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 4: A total of 21 cases of Hepatitis A (jaundice) have been reported from Reshipora in Khimber area of Srinagar’s Zadibal zone, with health authorities suspecting a contaminated community spring as the likely source of the clustering.
According to officials, the cluster of cases was first detected on April 30, when 18 cases were identified. Three additional cases were reported on May 2, taking the total to 21.
The affected area, on the outskirts of Srinagar, has a population of around 960 people across 180 households in this semi-urban locality.
Officials said the disease has predominantly affected children aged 7 to 15 years, with patients presenting symptoms consistent with acute viral hepatitis, including jaundice, anorexia, malaise, fever and vomiting.
Preliminary epidemiological investigations point to a common-source cluster, with transmission likely occurring through the faecal-oral route-typical of waterborne Hepatitis A/E infections.
As part of the response, two water samples-one from tap water and another from a spring-along with five blood samples were collected and sent to the District Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) at JLNM Hospital, Rainawari.
All the five blood samples tested positive for the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), officials said.
According to a water quality monitoring report issued by the DPHL, two tap water samples collected from Khimber-one from a school and another from a household-showed Most Probable Number (MPN) coliform counts of 3/100 ml and 2/100 ml, respectively, falling within the “satisfactory” category.
The report stated that the samples were “fit for human consumption” as per bacteriological standards.
Despite the satisfactory tap water quality, officials suspect contamination of a commonly used spring water source in the locality, which has not yet been conclusively tested.
Results of the spring water samples are awaited, officials said.
The Jal Shakti Department has been informed for a detailed analysis, while the suspected spring has been closed in coordination with the local Masjid committee.
Health authorities have organised a medical camp in the area and launched awareness drives on safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation.
Residents have been advised to boil water for at least 20 minutes or use chlorinated water before consumption.
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