Seven Jaundice Deaths in Palwal Trigger Investigation

Between January 27 and February 11, 2026, seven people in Chainsa village, Palwal district, died due to jaundice, prompting the Haryana health department to investigate a possible outbreak.

Of the seven deaths, four were linked to severe liver problems, including acute hepatitis or acute liver failure with hepatic encephalopathy (a serious brain complication caused by liver failure).

Chainsa village has a population of 5,728 people living in 865 households. The health department received the first alert about the deaths on January 31. Soon after, a medical officer and a field team visited the village to conduct a detailed survey.

The investigation report revealed that the causes of death included:

Acute fulminant liver failure

Acute hepatitis with jaundice

Hepatic encephalopathy

Acute hepatic failure with pancreatitis and sepsis

Acute hepatitis with hepatic encephalopathy

Before death, most patients experienced fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and confusion or altered consciousness, a health official said.

The health authorities are now closely monitoring the village, raising awareness about symptoms, and taking steps to prevent further cases.