Home / Health / Jaundice Outbreak Claims Fourth Life in Jeolikote
Jaundice Outbreak Claims Fourth Life in Jeolikote
24 Sep
Summary
- A 26-year-old labourer died, marking the fourth death in Jeolikote since August.
- Concerns over contaminated drinking water and rising jaundice cases persist.
- Family alleges delayed hospital admission worsened the labourer's condition.
A 26-year-old labourer, Aman Sonkar, died on Wednesday at Sushila Tiwari Hospital in Haldwani, becoming the fourth reported fatality in the Jeolikote area since August. His death has amplified concerns among residents regarding the safety of drinking water and the rising incidence of jaundice.
Sonkar, who had been unwell since August, experienced a sharp deterioration in his health on Tuesday. Despite being taken to B D Pandey Hospital in Nainital, his family claims they faced a significant delay in obtaining a hospital bed, eventually being admitted around 2 am. He passed away in the early hours of Wednesday.
The family's allegations of delayed treatment have heightened scrutiny of health authorities' response. This incident follows the recent deaths of a 16-year-old student and a 26-year-old woman, the latter having previously raised alarms about contaminated water sources.
Nainital CMO Dr Rashmi Pant confirmed Sonkar received initial treatment at Jeolikote PHC on September 19 and was transferred to B D Pandey Hospital on Tuesday evening. She noted his critical condition upon arrival and stated that while admitted, his health declined further. The medical report indicated "alcoholic withdrawal-induced delirium" as a contributing factor to his sudden deterioration.
