# 70 girls test positive for jaundice at Odisha residential school

2026-09-18T05:36:49+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

More than 70 students at a government tribal girls' residential school in Rayagada district, Odisha, have tested positive for jaundice since September 7, with around 100 more showing symptoms. The school, run by the ST and SC Development department, houses about 370 girls. The New Indian Express reports that at least five students were hospitalised, one of whom was later discharged. A borewell on the campus has been stopped from use as the suspected water source, and alternative drinking water is being supplied through tanks. OdishaTV reports that around 60 students have left the hostel, though the district welfare officer denies this is due to fear, saying some go home with parents and return. Officials are continuing health checks and the Rural Water Supply department is digging a new tube well.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Both sources report the outbreak neutrally, with The New Indian Express leading on the higher count of 70 positive cases and hospitalisations, while OdishaTV emphasises the lower figure of 10-12 affected students and parent concerns about Ayurvedic treatment. The Express notes that officials have not confirmed the borewell caused the cases, a detail OdishaTV omits. The discrepancy in case numbers likely reflects different reporting stages. The key indicator to watch is the health department's test results for the remaining symptomatic students.

## Coverage

- newindianexpress.com (neutral report) <https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2026/Sep/18/jaundice-outbreak-in-odishas-government-residential-school-70-girls-test-positive-in-10-days>
  Straight factual reporting with case numbers and official comment.
- odishatv.in (neutral report) <https://odishatv.in/odisha/jaundice-scare-at-rayagada-girls-hostel-several-students-affected-water-source-under-scanner-12551819>
  Neutral coverage with parent quotes and denial of exodus.

Tags: jaundice, Odisha, Rayagada, ST & SC Development department
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