Haryana village on alert after Hepatitis deaths; probe, mass screening underway

A serious Hepatitis outbreak in Haryana's Palwal district has caused widespread fear, with official and villagers' death counts differing significantly.

A widening health scare has gripped Haryana’s Palwal district after officials confirmed seven deaths in a Hepatitis outbreak in Chhainsa village, even as residents claimed that more than 20 people have died in the past two weeks.

Officials said seven people have died in the past two weeks, four of them due to Hepatitis B. Among the deceased were four schoolchildren who died between January 31 and February 11.

The health department has launched a probe to determine the exact cause of the deaths. A preliminary inquiry suggests viral Hepatitis and possible water contamination as contributing factors, though confirmation is awaited pending laboratory reports.

With concerns mounting, the administration has begun monitoring the situation round-the-clock.

A health camp has been set up in the village and large-scale blood sampling is underway to detect infections and prevent further transmission. Residents are being tested for jaundice, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

Vasudev Gupta, nodal officer at the camp, said, “We are taking samples of all villagers and testing them for jaundice, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Those who test positive are being referred to hospitals for treatment. Most of the deaths were linked to Hepatitis B, which is why we are screening everyone to contain the spread.”