Over 100 People Affected by Hepatitis-A Due to Contaminated Water Supply in Haryana

A health crisis has emerged in Desujodha village, Haryana, where over 100 residents have contracted Hepatitis-A due to contaminated drinking water. Two girls are in critical condition, prompting protests from villagers demanding clean water. The health department has taken samples from hundreds of residents, revealing a significant number of cases. Local authorities are now working to address the situation and ensure proper medical care for those affected. Read on for more details about this alarming outbreak and the community's response.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 9, 2026, 09:05 IST

Contaminated Water Supply Leads to Health Crisis

In the village of Desujodha, located in Haryana's Sirsa district, more than 100 individuals have reportedly fallen ill due to contaminated drinking water, leading to cases of Hepatitis-A. According to local residents, two girls are in critical condition and have been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda and Dayanand Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana. The affected girls have been identified as 21-year-old Prabhjot, daughter of Malkit Singh, and 18-year-old Preet Kaur, daughter of Kuldeep Singh.

Several others, including Jasmeet Kaur, Harpreet Kaur, Gopi, Manpreet Kaur, Rajkaran, and Gurnoor, are receiving treatment in hospitals across Sirsa, Dabwali, Bathinda, Ludhiana, and Rama Mandi. As per the village sarpanch, Charanjit Singh, and other locals, the contamination was caused by leaks in newly laid pipelines. Residents have alleged that while the old pipeline replacement was underway, leaks allowed contaminated water to enter their homes.

They noted that the number of individuals falling ill has gradually increased over the past week. Subsequent medical examinations revealed that many patients were suffering from Hepatitis-A. In response, villagers have staged protests demanding immediate action to ensure access to clean drinking water.

The health department has collected samples from 540 residents in the village over the past five days. Among these, 216 individuals exhibited symptoms of the illness, and 45 patients have been hospitalized. The hospitalized patients include two children under the age of five, 26 individuals aged 18 and younger, and 17 patients who are 60 years old or older.

This group consists of 30 men and 15 women. To assess the situation, a team from the district administration visited Desujodha village on Saturday. Officials assured the villagers that measures would be taken to ensure a clean water supply, enhance health services, and cover the medical expenses for affected patients.