Jaundice Cases Cross 70 at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Khordha, Health Teams Deployed

Bhubaneswar: Concern has gripped parents as the number of jaundice cases at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Gurujang in Odisha’s Khordha district, has crossed 70, prompting health authorities to step up surveillance and investigation at the residential school.

With a sharp rise in reported cases, multiple medical and inspection teams have been deployed to the campus to collect samples from students and identify the source of the outbreak. A team from the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) has also reached the school to inspect the water supply system, while a medical team from the Khordha district administration is conducting parallel investigations.

Sources said the school has a total strength of around 560 students, of whom more than 70 have reportedly shown symptoms of jaundice. Meanwhile, over 200 students have already left the campus and returned to their homes as a precautionary measure. Medical tests are being conducted on a student-by-student basis. On Monday alone, samples of around 30 students reportedly tested positive.

Most of the affected students are from Classes VI to XII. After being provided primary medical care, they were sent home by the residential school authorities.

However, there is confusion over the exact number of cases. While some sources place the figure between 30 and 40, the school’s health team has indicated that more than 60 students have been affected. The discrepancy has added to the anxiety of parents, many of whom have questioned the preventive and control measures adopted by the authorities.

Water contamination is suspected to be the primary cause of the outbreak. Although the school administration has claimed that the infection originated from outside the campus, the scale of the spread among students and teachers has raised serious concerns and allegations of lapses in institutional management.

Responding to the situation, JNV authorities said emergency measures are being taken to contain the spread of the disease. Despite this, fresh cases have continued to emerge, intensifying worries among guardians.

Earlier, Vice Principal N.C. Chakra told mediapersons that health check-ups were conducted about a week ago after some students complained of illness. Symptoms such as cold, fever and jaundice were initially detected in a few students, who were given preliminary treatment and sent home. Subsequently, similar symptoms were reported among more students, leading to the present situation.

Health officials said further action will be taken based on the test results and inspection reports.