Srinagar, May 02: Health authorities in Srinagar on Saturday said all children affected in the recent hepatitis cluster in the Reshipora locality of Khimber in Zadibal zone are steadily recovering, with no fresh cases reported since the initial detection.
Zonal Medical Officer (ZMO) Dr Rubina Aziz said the situation is firmly under control, attributing the improvement to swift intervention, coordinated efforts by multiple departments, and sustained ground-level surveillance. “All affected individuals are recovering well, and importantly, no new cases have emerged after the initial cluster,” she said.
The health scare surfaced on April 30 when around 18 cases—mostly among school-going children—were reported with symptoms suggestive of acute viral hepatitis, including jaundice, fever, fatigue, and vomiting. The cluster had initially triggered concern among residents, with suspicion pointing towards a possible waterborne source.
Acting promptly, authorities sealed a suspected community spring in coordination with the local Masjid Committee to prevent further consumption. Water samples from multiple sites, including households and a local school, were collected for laboratory testing, while blood samples of affected patients were sent for serological analysis to determine the exact viral strain, likely Hepatitis A or E.
However, officials said that preliminary water quality monitoring has brought relief. According to a report issued under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the tested water samples from Khimber—including those from a school and nearby households—were found to be within “satisfactory” limits based on the Most Probable Number (MPN) coliform count. The samples were classified as fit for human consumption as per bacteriological standards, ruling out any major contamination in the tested supply.
Health officials said that continuous field monitoring, door-to-door surveys, and early case identification played a decisive role in containing the spread. “Our teams remain on the ground, actively monitoring the situation while also educating residents about preventive measures,” Dr Aziz said.
An intensified awareness campaign has been launched in the area, with health workers urging residents to strictly follow hygiene practices. People have been advised to consume boiled or properly treated water, maintain hand hygiene, and ensure sanitation to prevent any recurrence.
The District Surveillance Unit (DSU) noted that the absence of new cases is a positive indicator that containment strategies have worked effectively. However, officials emphasised that vigilance will continue until all laboratory reports are finalised and any residual risk is ruled out.
Meanwhile, the Jal Shakti Department has also been engaged to further assess water safety and ensure the availability of clean and reliable drinking water in the area. Measures are underway to strengthen supply systems and maintain quality standards.
Health authorities reiterated that surveillance and monitoring will continue in the coming days. They stressed that while the situation is under control, sustained public awareness and adherence to preventive practices remain crucial to keeping such outbreaks at bay—(KNO)
