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Jaundice claims 13 in Lucknow

Sharat Pradhan in Lucknow

At least 13 persons have died of jaundice in Lucknow, with almost one death occurring every day.

The disease, attributed to "contaminated drinking water" is threatening to become an epidemic in the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, and the political constituency of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

According to official reports, over 200 patients affected by the sudden spread of jaundice had been admitted to various city hospitals. While five people died in the city hospitals, at least eight more deaths were reported from the suburbs of Lucknow.

UP's Health Secretary Lov Verma said his team was dealing with the situation on a war footing and hoped to tide over the crisis by ensuring chlorinated water is supplied. Special arrangements were being made for that," he said.

At a review meeting convened by State Health Minister Ramapati Shastri to take stock of the situation, announced a special sanction of Rs 5 million to ensure adequate supply of chlorine tablets to certain localities of the state capital. Open drains and littered garbage had made the areas even more vulnerable.

What stunned the top officials was that even drinking water samples taken from taps at the chief minister's and the mayor's residences tested negative for chlorine.

"We have taken serious view of this," said Urban Development Minister Lalji Tandon, stating that a special cell has been set up to monitor complaints of contaminated drinking water."

Strict action as also being ordered against sale of cut fruits on pavements, which Tandon described as "yet another major source of hepatitis". Meanwhile, public warnings were being issued to promote use of boiled water and to raise the average standards of cleanliness.

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