Kulgam Village Reports Hepatitis Case; 13-Year-Old Dies, Sibling Hospitalised

Kulgam, Sep 19: A 13-year-old boy died while his sister was hospitalised after contracting Hepatitis in Katrasoo village of Kulgam district, officials said on Friday.

Three siblings from the family were infected, and after initial treatment at a local health facility, they were referred to District Hospital Kulgam. Two were later shifted to the Children’s Hospital Bemina, Srinagar. One boy, identified as Mohammad Abu Bakar Bhat, succumbed, while his sister remains under observation. The third sibling has recovered.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kulgam, Showkat Hussain, said health teams have been deployed in the area. He said the infection is likely Hepatitis A or E, caused by contaminated water and poor sanitation.

“There is no need to panic, everything is under control. We appeal to people to boil water before drinking and maintain proper hand hygiene,” the CMO said.