Karwar/Dandeli: The number of Hepatitis E (Jaundice) cases are increasing rapidly due to contamination of drinking water and it has got people worried. 367 people have been diagnosed the decease in last 2 months.

According to the sources from Health Department, “Most of these patients are employees of the West Coast Paper Mills Ltd (WCPM). Out of 367 patients, 217 are employees of the factory, and the remaining 150 are residents of surrounding areas of WCPM”.

In order to purify the water before supplying it on its factory premises, layout and surrounding areas, WCPM had laid pipelines around 60 years ago and till date, the same network is supplying the water.

The old pipelines are damaged, so while the water gets mixed with sewage. Further complications are caused by growth of fungus in the pipelines. This is said to be the reason behind the spread of Hepatitis E in areas surrounding the factory outlet as well as Kerewad village near Dandeli.

District health officer Dr Ashok Kumar said: “After the breakout of Hepatitis E in the area, we have directed WCPM officials to change the pipeline about a month ago, but till date they have not begun the process and we will give another notice to them to change the pipeline.”

The WCPM officials denied any contamination within their factory limits.