Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: In the wake of a jaundice outbreak in two women’s hostels, Utkal University has prohibited students from consuming street food and fast food on the campus and ordered inspections of all food outlets to ensure strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
University Registrar Dr Swati Mishra said the authorities would inspect all eateries operating on the campus, including those at Govinda Sahu Market, to examine food quality, cleanliness and hygiene practices. Any shop found violating food safety regulations or failing to maintain proper sanitary conditions would be shut down immediately, she warned.
The decision follows reports of several students residing in Girls’ Hostels No. 6 and 7 falling ill with jaundice and diarrhoea after returning from the festival vacation. Some affected students were admitted to hospitals for medical treatment.
Following the outbreak, health department officials and medical teams visited the affected hostels and collected blood samples from more than 30 students for laboratory testing to assess the situation.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also conducted an inspection of the hostel premises and collected water and blood samples to investigate the possible source of the outbreak.
Meanwhile, the university has stepped up precautionary measures by opening a dedicated control room, pharmacy and public health service centre on the campus to address students’ medical needs.
Around 1,000 litres of purified drinking water have also been supplied to the hostels. Students have been advised to consume boiled water, avoid outside food and maintain proper food hygiene to minimise the risk of further infections.
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