Food Manifest 
Significant Update
Several deaths in Chayansa village in Haryana’s Palwal district have been linked to a suspected Hepatitis B outbreak, with investigators examining unsafe medical practices and excessive consumption of energy drinks as possible contributing factors. Health officials confirmed that at least seven people died between January 31 and February 11. However, residents claim the toll may be higher. The victims include two boys aged 9 and 14, two girls aged 9 and 15, a 42-year-old man, a 22-year-old man, and a 67-year-old woman. Medical tests confirmed Hepatitis B infection in four of the victims. The virus affects the liver and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Investigation Points to Unsafe Practices
According to Palwal Deputy Commissioner Dr Harish Kumar Vashishth, expert teams from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), along with specialists from Pune and Chennai, investigated the outbreak. Their findings showed that eight of the 13 affected patients died due to complications linked to Hepatitis B infection. During the investigation, officials also found that several patients had consumed large quantities of caffeinated energy drinks and had sought treatment from unqualified practitioners. Authorities are examining whether these factors may have worsened the condition of infected individuals.
Unsafe Injections Raise Concerns
Investigators suspect that unsafe injection practices may have contributed to the spread of the infection. Some patients reportedly received injections from unqualified practitioners who reused disposable syringes on multiple individuals. Such practices can transmit blood-borne infections like Hepatitis B. Authorities have registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against five unqualified practitioners allegedly involved in treating patients in the village. Samples of the energy drinks consumed by the affected individuals have also been sent for laboratory testing.
Health Teams Conduct Screening
Following the outbreak, the district administration deployed medical teams to the village to monitor the situation and prevent further spread. Health officials have organised medical camps and are conducting door-to-door screenings. Blood samples from residents are being tested for Hepatitis A, B, C and E, along with HIV and liver function indicators. Authorities are also reviewing treatment records from hospitals in Faridabad, Gurugram and Nalhar Medical College in Nuh to trace the source of the infection. According to Chief Medical Officer Satinder Vashisth, no new deaths have been reported since February 11, and the situation in the village is currently under control.
Administration Warns Against Quack Treatment
The district administration has launched a drive to identify and take action against illegal medical practitioners. Deputy Commissioner Dr Vashishth urged residents to seek treatment only from registered doctors and avoid unqualified practitioners. He warned that unsafe medical practices, including the reuse of disposable syringes, can expose patients to serious infections. Authorities are also working to improve sanitation, ensure safe drinking water, and strengthen healthcare services in the village.
Source: NDTV
