Hepatitis outbreak in Kulgam village, one dead, another hospitalised

September 19, 2025 by News Desk

Danishwar Hameed

A suspected outbreak of Hepatitis in Katrasoo village of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district has claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy, while his sister remains hospitalised, officials said on Friday.

According to health officials, three siblings from one family were infected. They were first taken to a local health centre and later shifted to District Hospital Kulgam.

Two of them were referred to the Children’s Hospital Bemina in Srinagar, where the boy, identified as Mohammad Abu Bakar Bhat, died. His sister is still under observation, while the third sibling has recovered.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kulgam, Dr Showkat Hussain, confirmed the incident and said medical teams have been deployed in Katrasoo. “The infection is most likely Hepatitis A or E, which spreads through contaminated water and poor sanitation,” he said. He urged residents to boil drinking water and follow proper hygiene.

Locals, however, expressed concern over the state of sanitation and drinking water in the area. “We have been complaining about unsafe water supply for months. Nobody paid attention, and now a young boy has lost his life,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Katrasoo. He told The Kashmiriyat, “We are scared for our children. The government only acts after a tragedy strikes.”

Authorities have assured that precautionary measures are being taken and that there is no need for panic.