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Odisha Jaundice Outbreak: 54 Students Infected, Health Teams Investigate Source

Health authorities in Odisha are actively investigating a jaundice outbreak at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Khordha district, where 54 students have tested positive. Senior officials, including the CDMO and District Public Health Officer, have inspected the campus and issued strict hygiene guidelines for food handlers. While the kitchen cleanliness was deemed satisfactory, the exact source—whether water, food, or both—remains under investigation. State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling has assured the public that the health crisis is stabilising as affected students recover.

Key Points: Odisha School Jaundice Outbreak: Health Officials Investigate Spread

  • 54 students test positive for jaundice
  • Health teams inspecting school for source
  • Preventive guidelines issued for food handlers
  • State minister says situation is stabilising
2 min read

"Finding out how it spread in school": Odisha Public Health Director on Jaundice outbreak at JNV Khordha

Health officials investigate a jaundice outbreak at a Khordha school, with 54 students infected. Teams are inspecting to find the source and enforce preventive measures.

"We are testing and finding out how it spread in school, and preventive measures are being taken. - Dr. Nilakantha Mishra"

Bhubaneswar, January 7

Amid rising jaundice infections among students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Khordha district, Odisha's Public Health Director Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, on Wednesday, said health authorities are actively investigating the situation and have stepped up preventive measures to contain the spread.

"Our teams are visiting schools and doing inspections. We are testing and finding out how it spread in school, and preventive measures are being taken," Dr Mishra told ANI on Wednesday, as concerns grew following multiple positive cases reported from the residential school.

State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Monday assured the public that the health crisis at a residential school in Khurda is stabilising, with dozens of affected students currently recovering after a sudden rise in jaundice cases. Following reports of a jaundice outbreak at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Gurujang, the central team arrived to identify the source of infection and ensure student safety on campus.

Health authorities on Tuesday inspected and reviewed the suspected jaundice outbreak at the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) located in Gurujanga village of Khordha district, after a rise in cases among students raised concerns.

Senior officials, including Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Sanjay Roy and District Public Health Officer Dr Ranjan Mitra, visited the campus to assess the situation and oversee preventive measures after 54 students' blood samples tested positive for jaundice as of January 6, 2026.

While the kitchen and overall cleanliness were found satisfactory, officials issued additional guidelines for food handlers. "We have given them some guidelines to follow, such as requiring that food handlers and cooks wear separate slippers. They will not wear their house slippers inside. They will wear gloves, caps, masks, and aprons while cooking and serving food," Mitra said, adding that the source of infection is still under investigation and could be linked to water, food, or both.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Suresh O
The guidelines for cooks are basic common sense. Why weren't they being followed already? This points to a serious lapse in daily monitoring at the school. The authorities need to be held accountable, not just issue guidelines after the fact.
R
Rohit P
54 cases is a major outbreak. The source being "under investigation" for so long is concerning. It's likely the water supply. In many hostels, water tank cleaning is neglected. Hope they check that thoroughly.
A
Anjali F
As a parent, my heart goes out to the families. Navodaya schools are meant to be premier institutions. This shakes our trust. Regular, surprise health audits should be mandatory for all residential schools across India.
D
David E
While the response seems coordinated, I respectfully disagree with the Minister saying the situation is "stabilising" when the source isn't even identified. That's premature. Containment is the first step, but root cause analysis is critical to prevent a recurrence.
K
Karthik V
Good to see CDMO and health officers on site. The focus now must be on full recovery of students and strict implementation of protocols. Also, other Navodaya schools in the state should immediately review their hygiene measures. Better safe than sorry!

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