The Public Health Department on Monday carried out an on-site assessment at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gurujang, in Odisha’s Khordha district after several students were reported to be affected by jaundice. Special teams from the Health Department and the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) were deployed to review the situation and determine the possible cause of the outbreak.

Medical examinations and health screening of students were underway on the school campus at the time of reporting. Officials said the review aims to identify the source of infection and prevent further spread of the disease.

As part of the investigation, WATCO collected water samples from 12 locations within the school premises. The samples have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine whether the outbreak is linked to water contamination. WATCO General Manager Rajendra Nayak said the test reports are expected within 24 hours, adding that the water samples were collected on Monday evening.

He stated that the water supply system is fully online-operated, continuously chlorinated, and monitored through a real-time dashboard. He also noted that authorities are examining whether contamination could have occurred through food sourced from outside the school.

According to the Director of Public Health, the first case of jaundice was detected after a student returned to the school following vacation. Subsequent screenings revealed additional cases. Dr Nilakantha Mishra said district-level and urban health teams had already visited the school, and a state-level team would also conduct an inspection. He added that necessary preventive measures are being implemented based on the assessment.

School authorities said around 35 students from Classes VI to XII have been affected so far. Some students were sent home after receiving medical treatment. As a precautionary measure, the school’s water tank and surrounding premises were thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.

Meanwhile, parents and guardians have expressed concern over the outbreak and urged authorities to ensure strict monitoring, improved hygiene practices, and stronger health safeguards at the residential school to prevent a recurrence.