Balasore, July 8 (UDN): Concern is mounting in Balasore Municipality’s Ward No. 27 after more than 30 suspected cases of jaundice were reported over the past month, with residents alleging that contaminated piped drinking water is behind the outbreak.
The spike in infections has sparked questions over the quality of the municipal water supply, despite claims that the town receives treated drinking water round the clock. Locals say the water distributed through pipelines often appears muddy, emits a strong bleaching powder smell, and is unfit for consumption.
Residents further alleged that the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level in the supplied water is around 450, which they believe indicates poor water quality. Since most households rely on the piped supply for drinking and domestic use, many suspect it has become the primary source of infection.
Following complaints from residents, the Health Department collected water and blood samples from the affected locality. Officials confirmed that five people have tested positive for jaundice, while laboratory reports of 18 others are still awaited.
District Public Health Officer (DPHO) Dr. Rupabhanu Mishra said preliminary findings suggest that the outbreak is largely linked to the consumption of contaminated water. He added that surveillance has been intensified in the affected area and health teams are monitoring the situation closely.
Residents, however, claim that the number of affected persons is much higher than the officially confirmed cases.
“Several members of my family, including my son and niece, suffered from jaundice. Many others in our neighbourhood have also fallen ill. The water supplied through the pipelines is often muddy and has a strong smell of bleaching powder. We believe contaminated water is the reason behind the outbreak,” said local resident Gitarani Dash.
She urged the administration to ensure safe drinking water before the disease spreads further to adjoining localities.
Responding to the allegations, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Superintending Engineer Nabin Chandra Singh said he had only recently been informed about the situation. He assured that officials would inspect the water distribution network and repair any damaged or leaking pipelines if contamination is detected.
“As per the information available to me, only a limited number of confirmed cases have been reported. However, our team has already visited the area for inspection. If leakages or faults are found in the pipeline network, repair work will be completed on priority,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, residents have appealed to the district administration to conduct comprehensive water quality testing, disinfect the supply system, and provide safe drinking water to prevent further spread of the disease. Health officials have advised people to consume only boiled or purified water and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, fever, nausea, vomiting, or dark-coloured urine.