Jaundice outbreak leaves 1 dead in Budgam

Srinagar, Aug 05: A 10-year-old boy from Riyar village of Khansahib in Budgam district has died following a jaundice outbreak triggered by the supply of contaminated water, officials said on Saturday.
Health officials informed that the deceased has been identified as Abid, son of Ab Salam, resident of Riyar and added that he was a positive case of cause of jaundice.
The officials said that a jaundice outbreak was reported in Riyar village of Medical Block Khansaheb on August 02 coupled with an increasing number of jaundice cases.
On Aug 03, Rapid Response Team of Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) along with District Health Officer Budgam, BMO Khansaheb, paediatrician, physician and Medical Officer SPM visited the village for investigation and started door-to-door surveillance.
Dr Mir Mushtaq, spokesperson Directorate of Health Services Kashmir said the team visited Govt. Middle School Masjid Mohalla, Govt. Primary School Panz-Mohalla and Govt. Primary School Bi Mohalla in Riyar village has a population of about 5,600.
The remote area is located approximately 8 km from Block Headquarter and around 26 km from District Headquarter Budgam. The nearest health facility available is the PHC Riyar.
“After detailed analysis and physical examination of 190 children were done out of which 24 children were found suspected which were in the age group of 5-15 years,” he said.
After the analysis, the spokesperson said it was found the main source of drinking water in the school was found to be tap water and there is also a small stream near the school.
“A total of 24 blood samples were taken and sent to SKIMS Soura the reports of which are awaited. Also, 09 water samples were taken at the source of water supply and at the end point and sent to DPHL and reports are awaited,” Mir said.
As the cases surfaced, health dept. launched a massive exercise of IEC activities and awareness is being created about the symptoms and prevention of the disease. School-going children and locals have been imparted awareness regarding preventive measures.
“Two teams of RBSK as a rapid response are doing surveillance door to door, imparting awareness and preventive measures for this water borne disease among the school going children and among the inhabitants of the village,” he said.
“Need of the hour is to utilize the holistic approach by all the departments, especially PHE and Medical in order to control the situation as early as possible,” he added.
The District Response Team headed by District Health Officer, District Epidemiologist and IDSP Unit Budgam are visiting the affected village on a daily basis.