A serious jaundice outbreak has struck the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Gurujang, Khurda district, with the number of affected students rising sharply to 52 by Tuesday. In response to the escalating health crisis, the school administration is actively considering a temporary shutdown for most students in a bid to control the spread of the disease.
Rising Cases Prompt Emergency Measures
Principal Kabita Kar provided a grim update, noting that while the affected count was between 35 and 40 on Monday, it climbed to 52 by Tuesday morning. "By evening, we got a few more positive cases," she stated. All identified cases are among students who initially showed symptoms of cold and fever. These students were promptly sent home with strict instructions to isolate themselves. The residential school, which has a total strength of 560 students, has seen a significant exodus, with 259 students already leaving the campus for their homes by Tuesday, a majority of them suffering from similar symptoms.
Potential Shutdown and Precautionary Steps
The principal informed that the institution is likely to close down for all classes except for the critical Class X and XII for a period of three to four days. This drastic step is aimed at breaking the chain of infection. "Since students of the two classes are appearing for their examinations now, the school will remain open for them, but utmost precaution will be taken for their safety," Principal Kar assured. The school has already suspended physical training (PT) classes as a precautionary measure.
Medical teams from a local hospital are now conducting random sample testing of students on a daily basis. Alongside testing, students are receiving counselling on the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and washing hands regularly to prevent further transmission.
Investigation Points to Water Contamination
A primary suspect in the outbreak is the school's water supply. On Monday, the Water Corporation (Watco) collected water samples from 12 different points across the school campus. The lab reports are awaited and expected by Wednesday. "We were told that water from five points is suspected to be contaminated, but we are waiting for the final results," the principal added. As an interim safety measure, Watco staff have thoroughly cleaned the water tanks on the campus again, and the school has begun supplying warm water to all students.
The situation remains fluid as authorities await conclusive test results and monitor the health of the student body closely, hoping to contain the outbreak before it affects more children.
