According to residents and preliminary findings by the administration, the outbreak has disproportionately affected children and teenagers. In one family alone, six siblings aged between 11 and 19 years have been bedridden for several days due to illness. Three children are currently admitted to hospital, while others are undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.

The crisis has also disrupted education. Alina, a Class 12 student from Patti Bazaar, missed her examinations after falling ill. Other minors, including nine-year-old Lakshita and 12-year-old Gitansh, continue to battle jaundice. In the Motimahal area, three children — Adarsh (5), Krishu (4) and Yatharth (10) — were admitted to the Red Cross Hospital after their condition deteriorated. An elderly resident, Jagdish Chauhan, was later referred to Indore following complications and signs of liver infection.

Residents allege that the root cause lies in the drinking water pipeline passing through open, dirty drains. Due to leakages, muddy and foul-smelling water mixed with silt has reportedly been flowing from household taps. Locals claim they had repeatedly complained to civic authorities about the leakage, but no corrective action was taken in time.

“The water coming from taps is visibly dirty. Children started falling sick one after another,” said a resident of Patti Bazaar, expressing anger over what they described as administrative negligence.

Following mounting complaints and public concern, the local administration initiated an investigation. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rakesh Parmar and Tehsildar Vivek Soni visited the affected localities, reviewed the water supply network and directed officials to collect samples for laboratory testing. The results are awaited.

Mhow Block Medical Officer Dr. Yogesh Singare said the health department has launched a door-to-door survey in the affected areas. “Our teams are examining patients, monitoring symptoms and providing medicines. Three children are hospitalised, while others are stable and being treated at home,” he said.

Authorities have assured residents that necessary steps will be taken once test reports confirm the source of contamination. Meanwhile, locals have been advised to avoid tap water, boil drinking water and maintain strict hygiene until the supply is declared safe.