Jaundice spreads unchecked in Malappuram; 150 cases reported in a month, 2 dead

Kalikavu: The spread of jaundice in Malappuram district has become a growing public health concern, with 150 people seeking treatment at government hospitals over the past month. Health officials say the actual number of cases is likely to be significantly higher, as it does not include patients treated at private hospitals. Two people have died due to complications from the disease.

The outbreak has been reported mainly in hilly panchayats bordering plantation areas. A higher number of cases have been recorded in Kalikavu, Thuvvur, Chokkad and Karuvarakund.

In Thuvvur panchayat alone, 18 people have been diagnosed with jaundice. One person died on Sunday after the infection led to severe liver complications. Chokkad panchayat has reported 12 confirmed cases, while 10 cases have been identified across various parts of Kalikavu. More than 10 people have also contracted the disease in different areas of Karuvarakund panchayat.

The largest cluster of infections has been reported from the Neelancheri–Nariyakkampoyil area of Thuvvur, where 14 people who attended the same feast later tested positive for the disease. In Chokkad, nine people who played together at a ground in Peringappara and three others from Udaramppoyil have also been diagnosed with jaundice.

The Health Department has warned that the outbreak could worsen during the monsoon season.

The District Medical Officer urged the public and food business operators to remain vigilant, warning that jaundice can spread through contaminated food and water, as well as through infected food handlers. Preventive measures have been intensified by the Health Department and local self-government institutions in areas reporting a high number of cases.

Precautions

• Drink only boiled and cooled water. Do not mix untreated water with boiled water. Parents should ensure that children do not consume unboiled water.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap after using the toilet and before eating.
• People infected with jaundice should not prepare or serve food and should avoid attending public gatherings, including feasts.
• Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the eyes and urine develop.