GMC Anantnag’s expert team starts investigating cause behind illness

Anantnag, Jan 29: A team of experts from Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag on Wednesday visited Gutligund village in Verinag, south Kashmir, to investigate a jaundice outbreak that has affected 27 people, mostly children.

Headed by Associate Professor of Social and Preventive Medicine, Dr Mahbooba Rasool and assistant professor medicine, Dr Irfan Gul, the team collected serology samples from suspected cases and water samples to determine the source of contamination.

The investigation aims to identify the cause of the outbreak and implement preventive measures.

“Once we ascertain the cause, we will submit an action plan to the Principal of GMC Anantnag,” said a physician from the team.

He said that the affected individuals are under close observation, and residents have been advised to maintain proper hygiene and consume only boiled water.

Locals have attributed the outbreak to contaminated water, alleging that the supply comes from a polluted source.

The Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) team has also collected water samples, and the results are awaited. Hepatitis A, a waterborne disease primarily affecting children, is suspected to be the cause. Health department has so far confirmed 27 cases.

Residents have urged authorities to supply potable water from the Verinag reservoir instead of the existing source.Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Syed Fakhrudin Hamid, has assured them that their concerns will be addressed promptly.