Jaundice claimed seven lives in Chainsa village of Palwal district between January 27 and February 11, prompting the Haryana health department to launch an urgent investigation into a possible outbreak. Of the seven deaths, doctors linked four to acute hepatitis or acute liver failure with hepatic encephalopathy.
Chainsa, which has a population of 5,728 across 865 households, reported its first alert on January 31. Immediately afterward, a medical officer and a field team conducted a door-to-door survey. The investigation report identified causes of death as acute fulminant liver failure, acute hepatitis with jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, acute hepatic failure with pancreatitis and sepsis, and acute hepatitis with hepatic encephalopathy. Most patients experienced fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice, and altered sensorium before their deaths, officials said.
Victims Underwent Treatment at Nalhar Medical College
As reported by TOI, the deceased were Huzaf (9), Payal (9), Sarik (14), Huma (15), Dilshad (22), Samsuddin (42), and Jamila (65). Doctors admitted them to Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College in Nalhar, Nuh, where they later died.
Meanwhile, three other patients with similar symptoms were admitted to Civil Hospital and Nalhar Medical College. Doctors reported that their condition remains stable.
Rapid Response and Medical Screening Intensified
In response, the health department deployed a rapid response team on February 1. The next day, authorities began organizing medical camps and conducting doorstep surveys.
So far, medical teams have conducted around 800 OPD consultations. They screened nearly 1,500 residents, including close contacts of the deceased, for Hepatitis A, B, C, and E. Officials also carried out blood sampling and community awareness drives focused on safe drinking water and food hygiene.
By February 15, camps screened 800 villagers and collected blood samples from 210 individuals. Test results showed that two people were positive for Hepatitis B and nine for Hepatitis C. However, all samples tested negative for Hepatitis A and E. Authorities also conducted leptospirosis (IgM and IgG ELISA) tests, and all results returned negative. Scrub typhus reports were awaited at the time of reporting.
Water Contamination Suspected
At the same time, officials initiated bacteriological testing of drinking water sources. They collected samples from storage tanks and pipelines. Of 31 samples, six household samples tested positive for coliform bacteria.
Additionally, orthotolidine tests revealed the absence of chlorine in 82 stored water samples until February 12. However, after authorities implemented corrective measures, four out of 32 samples tested positive for chlorine the following day.
Officials suspect water contamination as a possible factor, although they continue to investigate. They noted that Hepatitis B is a blood-borne infection. Interestingly, two of the deceased, both truck drivers, tested positive for Hepatitis B.
Preventive Measures and Ongoing Investigation
To contain the situation, authorities distributed around 15,000 halogen tablets for water purification across the village. They also launched daily medical camps with continued screening for HBsAg and Hepatitis C.
Furthermore, officials issued a public helpline number — 01275-240022 — to address queries and concerns. A veterinary inspection found no evidence of leptospirosis among animals.
Health authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing. They continue to gather detailed medical histories from affected families to determine the exact cause of the outbreak and prevent further spread.