Fresh cases of jaundice have been reported from a residential school in Odisha's Khurda district, raising concerns among health officials and parents. Two additional staff members of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Gurujang tested positive for the disease within the last three days, as the institution grapples with the ongoing outbreak.
Recoveries Amidst New Infections
In a positive development, the school authorities confirmed that 12 students who had previously tested positive have now fully recovered. All these students received necessary medical care while staying at their homes, following protocols after the school's closure. This brings a glimmer of hope amidst the worrying situation.
Scale of the Outbreak and Official Response
The total number of affected individuals remains significant. Before the school was shut down as a precautionary measure last Wednesday, a total of 62 students had been infected by the water-borne disease. The recent positive tests among staff members indicate that the source of infection may still be active in the vicinity.
School principal Kabita Kar has taken prompt action by informing the chief district medical officer (CDMO) about these new cases. This step is crucial for initiating a thorough epidemiological investigation and containment measures by the public health department.
Next Steps and Precautions
The situation underscores the critical need for robust sanitation and safe drinking water facilities in residential schools. Health teams are expected to investigate the source, which is often contaminated water. The closure of the school is likely to continue until authorities are confident the outbreak is under control and the campus is sanitized.
Parents and the local community are advised to maintain strict hygiene, consume only boiled or purified water, and report any symptoms like yellowing of skin or eyes, fever, and fatigue immediately to health centers.
