More than 100 people, mainly children and young adults, have fallen ill with Hepatitis A in Desujodha village of Haryana’s Sirsa district, with contaminated drinking water suspected to be the source of the outbreak. Two young women, aged 21 and 18, are in critical condition and receiving ventilator support at AIIMS Bathinda and DMC Ludhiana, respectively.

Case Numbers: 540 Sampled, 216 Suspected, 45 Hospitalised

The health department has collected samples from 540 residents over the past five days, of whom 216 were identified as suspected cases. As many as 45 patients have been hospitalised, including 26 patients aged up to 18 years, two children aged five or below and 17 adults. Of the hospitalised patients, 30 are male and 15 are female.

Suspected Cause: Contaminated Drinking Water

According to local residents, leakage in newly laid drinking-water pipelines may have contaminated the water supplied from the village waterworks. Authorities have begun replacing the affected pipeline network, with the work expected to be completed within 10 days. Officials said contaminated water remains the suspected source of the outbreak. Read our Water Safety & Hygiene Tips

Health Department’s Response to the Sirsa Hepatitis A Outbreak

The district administration has deployed four doctors along with additional medical staff, while an ambulance has been stationed in the village. Health teams are conducting door-to-door screening, and a special testing camp has been established for symptomatic residents. The administration has also assured affected families that treatment expenses will be covered and safe drinking water will be supplied.

What Is Hepatitis A and How to Stay Safe

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water. Residents have been advised to boil drinking water before consumption and maintain strict hygiene. Authorities are continuing surveillance, testing and water-safety measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission. Learn more about Hepatitis A Symptoms, Causes & Prevention