The jaundice outbreak at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gurujang in Khordha district has intensified, with more than 50 students reportedly affected.
Parents expressed alarm as the infection spread across the residential school campus.
Health and inspection teams rushed to the school to collect samples. A WATCO team examined the water supply, while medical staff from Khordha conducted parallel investigations. Of the school’s 560 students, over 200 have already returned home. On Monday, 30 students tested positive for jaundice, most from Classes VI and XII.
Confusion persists over the exact number of cases. Some sources reported 30–40 infections, while the school’s health team pegged the figure at over 50. Parents criticised the administration for lapses in preventive measures, demanding accountability.
Water contamination is suspected as the cause. Although the school management claimed the infection originated outside the campus, the scale of cases among teachers and students has raised questions about internal hygiene practices.
Vice Principal NC Chakra stated that health check-ups began last week after students reported fever, cold, and jaundice symptoms. Affected students received preliminary treatment before being sent home. Despite emergency measures, the infection continues to spread, heightening parental concerns.
