BELAGAVI: More than 30 persons of Sudpara area of Balangir town have been affected by jaundice. The first case of the disease was reported 15 days back.
Like Sambalpur, consumption of contaminated water is suspected to be the reason behind the outbreak of the disease here. The pipelines through which water is supplied to households are lying adjacent to the drains at many places. Due to leakages in the pipelines, the drain water is seeping through and contaminating the water meant for drinking.
While Executive Engineer of PHD wing, B Sahu said water samples would be sent to Bhubaneswar for laboratory tests, the Chief District Medical Officer Rabi Tripathy informed that a health team would soon conduct door-to-door survey to find out the exact number of affected persons.
All those affected are undergoing treatment at different hospitals. Meanwhile, the local administration has started awareness drives in the area on the disease.