Jaundice outbreak at Gurujang Navodaya Vidyalaya: Health Dept, WATCO officials review situation

The Public Health Department on Monday conducted an on-site review at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gurujang, in Odisha's Khordha district, following reports of a jaundice outbreak among students. Special teams from the Public Health Department and the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) were deployed to assess the situation and determine the possible source of infection.

At the time of reporting, medical examinations and screening of affected students were underway on the school campus. Officials said the review aims to identify the cause of the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.

Water Samples Collected, Reports Awaited

As part of the investigation, WATCO collected water samples from 12 different locations within the school premises. Officials said laboratory analysis would determine whether the outbreak is linked to water contamination or other causes.

Rajendra Nayak, General Manager, WATCO, said, “Samples have been collected to check for bacterial contamination. The reports will be available after 24 hours. The samples were collected at 8 pm last night, and the results are expected by 8 pm today.”

He added that the water supplied by WATCO is fully online-operated, continuously chlorinated and monitored, with real-time data reflected on the dashboard.

“The 24-hour water supply system is functioning properly. We are also examining whether the contamination could have occurred due to food sourced from outside,” Nayak said.

Students Affected After Return from Vacation

According to the Director of Public Health, the first jaundice case was detected after a student returned to the school following vacation. Subsequent health screenings revealed additional infections.

Dr Nilakantha Mishra, Director, Public Health Department, said,“After returning from vacation, one student developed jaundice. Following that, several other students tested positive. A district-level team and an Urban Health team visited the school yesterday, and a state-level team will also visit today. Necessary measures are being taken after assessing the situation.”

Preventive Measures Initiated

School authorities said that 35 students from Classes VI to XII have been affected so far. Some students were sent home after receiving medical treatment. As a precautionary step, the school’s water tank and surrounding premises were thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.

Also Read: 35 Navodaya Vidyalaya students in Odisha affected by jaundice

Meanwhile, parents and guardians have expressed concern over the outbreak and have urged the authorities to ensure strict monitoring, improved hygiene, and stronger health safeguards at the residential school to prevent recurrence.