The number of jaundice cases in the district is increasing; 10 people seek treatment daily

Rise in Jaundice Cases in Kozhikode District
The number of jaundice cases in Kozhikode district is increasing. In the past 14 days, 95 people have sought hospital treatment due to the infection. Reports indicate that the outbreak is caused by the Hepatitis A virus, which spreads through contaminated food and water.

According to the Health Department’s records, this number only includes those who received treatment at government hospitals. In addition, many have sought medical care at private hospitals and clinics. Considering these cases as well, the actual number of affected individuals in the district is likely to be even higher. Reports suggest that more than 10 people seek treatment at private hospitals daily, with many also visiting clinics for medical care. The outbreak began with the onset of summer.

Due to the extreme heat, several areas in the district are facing water shortages, leading to a decline in the availability of clean drinking water. Contaminated water is being used in the preparation of juices in shops and eateries, and a similar situation exists in hotels, where unclean water is being used for cooking. The pollution of drinking water sources is also a major factor contributing to the spread of the disease. With water scarcity worsening, most areas are now dependent on water tankers, but the quality of the water supplied by these tankers is reportedly poor.

Meanwhile, despite the rising number of cases, authorities have not taken significant action to control the outbreak. There are no effective measures in place to ensure the cleanliness of drinking water sources, leading to growing public outrage.