CUTTACK: There seems to be no respite from jaundice menace in the Millennium City. Fresh outbreak of the water-borne disease in Ward 9 here has once again put Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) authorities in a quandary. So far, nine persons have been affected by jaundice at Bila Sahi of the Ward.
While use of contaminated drinking water due to leakage in pipelines close to drains is said to be the cause behind the resurgence of the disease, no step has yet been initiated by CMC authorities to curb its outbreak.
Meanwhile, the panic-stricken residents of Bila Sahi have demanded replacement of leaking pipelines stretching over drains. They have also sought desilting of clogged drains overflowing in their localities.
Though the fresh outbreak of jaundice was reported in Bila Sahi two days back, no step has been taken to provide potable water and check further spread of the disease, the residents alleged.
Earlier in the year, jaundice outbreak was reported from Ward 8, 9, 10 and 16. Two persons including a woman died and 167 persons were affected by the disease from January to February, 2017.
During the period, though CMC authorities had initiated measures to ensure leakage-free and safe pipe drinking water supply, the same could not be possible due to carelessness and callous attitude of Public Health Engineering Organisation (PHEO) and lack of proper supervision of CMC authorities.
Similarly in 2016, jaundice outbreak was reported from Jobra. Over 150 people were affected by the disease. Though the district administration and CMC authorities have maintained that steps are being taken to curb jaundice for the last two years, the ground reality is different.
Currently, the post of City Health Officer (CHO) is lying vacant after retirement of CHO PK Pradhan in March 31. The post of CMC Commissioner is also lying vacant.
Chairman of CMC Health Standing Committee Ranjan Biswal said a special team comprising officials of CMC, Health Department and PHEO would visit the affected area on Monday and precautionary steps are being taken to check the outbreak.