Patiala, June 12 -- Patiala's Dogra Mohalla is in the grip of a Hepatitis A outbreak, with 16 residents testing positive for the virus.

Laboratory investigations confirmed that the patients were suffering from Hepatitis A, a viral infection that affects the liver. The virus is commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water, leading health department officials to suspect contamination of the drinking water supply.

Water samples have been collected from the area, located near Sirhindi Gate, and sent for laboratory analysis to ascertain the exact cause.

According to the officials, five patients have been admitted to different hospitals due to the severity of their condition, while the remaining patients are being monitored and t...