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. According to the officials, five patients have been admitted to different hospitals due to severity of their condition, while remaining patients are being monitored and treated on an OPD basis. The infected individuals are aged between 4 and 48. Officials said the affected locality comprised 243 households with an estimated population of 1,119. The infections came to light after several residents complained of symptoms associated with jaundice, including fever, weakness, loss of appetite and yellowing of the eyes. Following the detection of positive cases, health authorities initiated a door-to-door survey across the locality to identify additional symptomatic residents. Teams of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) have been deployed to conduct active surveillance and spread awareness regarding preventive measures. Civil surgeon Dr Kushaldeep Gill said the department responded immediately after the cases were reported. A medical camp has been established in the locality....