Srinagar October 17: Bandipora district in north Kashmir has reported sporadic cases of jaundice that have been reported from multiple areas following which water samples have been sent for analysis, health officials said.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rafi Ahmad Salati confirmed that sporadic cases of jaundice are being reported from multiple areas of block Bandipora.
“An outbreak of six cases has been managed uneventfully in Tangath area,” he said, adding that the initial investigation revealed it to be waterborne most likely.
The CMO said following the jaundice cases water samples in the suspected areas have been taken and these are under analysis.
“Health education is being imparted by field staff of the health department on a daily basis. Public is advised to ensure hand hygiene and drink safe (properly boiled/filtered) water. Situation is being monitored and is under control,” the CMO said.
The District Surveillance Unit (IDSP) Bandipora has issued an advisory suggesting preventive measures for water borne diseases.
“Boil water for 20 minutes before it is used for drinking. Drinking water must be stored in thoroughly washed containers daily. Do not use unwashed containers for storage of water,” the advisory said.
It suggested people to wash hands with soap and water before eating food and after using the washroom. “The contact period between the soap and water should be 15- 20 seconds. This is an important component of personal hygiene in preventing water borne diseases,” it said.
The advisory advised people to avoid open defecation and urination in order to prevent contamination of water sources. “Keep fingernails short and clean at all times, it is preferable to cut them short once every week.”
According to the advisory, raw food materials such as fresh vegetables, must be washed and cleaned thoroughly before cooking.
Jaundice, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, is a condition that causes the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes to turn yellow. It’s caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow chemical in hemoglobin that’s produced when red blood cells break down.
