Palwal, Haryana: A wave of unexplained deaths has left residents of Chhanyasa village in Palwal district alarmed after seven people, including four schoolchildren, died over the past 15 days, officials and villagers said. The incidents have prompted a health department probe into a suspected outbreak of an infectious illness, possibly related to jaundice or hepatitis.
Panic and Suspected Illness
Panic has gripped the village as residents reported that nearly every household currently has someone suffering from symptoms such as fever, vomiting, weakness, or abdominal pain. Villagers claimed the toll could be higher than official figures, but authorities confirmed seven deaths so far. The Health Department suspects jaundice or a related liver disease, though laboratory confirmation of the exact cause is still awaited.
Health Department Response
Health teams have been deployed in the affected village, conducting round‑the‑clock medical checks, blood tests, and screening of residents. Special health camps are also being organised to provide essential medicines, counselling, and awareness on precautionary measures. Authorities have emphasised that residents should avoid unregistered medical practitioners and depend on registered doctors for treatment.
Officials Investigate Possible Causes
The Palwal Deputy Commissioner, Dr Harish Kumar Vashishta, visited the village to review sample collection efforts and oversee the response. Officials said they are compiling detailed clinical histories and medical records of the deceased from hospitals where they were treated to better understand the cause of death.
Signs of Widespread Symptoms
Villagers told reporters that many residents initially dismissed early symptoms as a seasonal viral infection, but the situation worsened as more people fell ill and deaths started occurring. The authorities have not yet ruled out contaminated drinking water or infectious disease spread, and further investigations are underway.
Community Concerns and Fears
The rising fatalities have created fear among locals, with residents expressing hesitation to step outside, eat local food, or drink water from common sources. These fears have spurred door‑to‑door awareness campaigns by health teams. Villagers hope that the ongoing medical investigations help identify the root cause and prevent further deaths.
Preventive Measures and Next Steps
District authorities are reviewing sanitation standards and safe drinking water supplies in the village. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely while awaiting lab results that could confirm whether the outbreak is tied to a hepatitis virus or another infectious agent.