Ferozepur, February 27 A 13-year-old girl died in what is suspected to be a jaundice outbreak in Hazara Singh Wala village along the India-Pakistan border in the Mamdot block here, while another 22 children have tested positive, officials said on Friday.
The outbreak, suspected to have been caused by contaminated water, has alarmed health authorities who have rushed medical teams to the village and initiated remedial measures, including an extensive house-to-house survey.
The deceased girl, identified as Shailja, a Class 4 student, had developed a high fever and symptoms consistent with jaundice before her condition worsened.
Her father, Manjeet Singh, said the tragedy has deeply affected the family. "My daughter was cheerful and active. Within days, her health deteriorated. We never imagined we would lose her like this," he said.
Her mother, Seema Singh, said her older daughter, Monica (15), and son, Rahul (10), are also suffering from a stomach infection.
According to officials, as many as 58 blood samples were collected and tested, with 22 testing positive for Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection often transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated by animal urine.
The infection can manifest with symptoms including fever, jaundice, and other systemic complications, they said.
Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said an inquiry at the level of an IAS officer has been ordered, and a detailed report is expected within 72 hours.
She said all confirmed cases are under close monitoring and intensive surveillance.
Water samples from across the village, including schools and affected households, have been sent for microbiological and chemical analysis, she added.
As a precautionary measure, the existing water supply has been temporarily suspended, and water tankers have been arranged, while medical teams with ambulances have been stationed in the village.
Civil Medical Officer Dr Rajeev Parashar said the health department has deployed expert teams in the village and is closely monitoring the situation.
"All the children who have tested positive for jaundice are stable, and there is no need to panic," he said, adding that no case of hepatitis has been detected.
He further informed that a 30-bed special ward has been set up at the Mamdot Health Centre, and over 300 residents have been examined so far.