At least 20 residents of Urpash area in Ganderbal have been admitted to the District Hospital after they developed fever, reportedly due to the consumption of contaminated drinking water. Locals said several people complained of fever and infection-like symptoms, prompting them to seek medical treatment. “My two kids have been admitted with typhoid. Many others from the area are also undergoing treatment,” said Fareed Ahmad, a resident of Urpash. He alleged that the drinking water supplied in the area is contaminated and the overall conditions remain unhygienic. He urged the administration to intervene immediately. Hospital authorities said the first patient, a child, was admitted on September 7. Since then, 13 children and four adults have been hospitalized with fever. “It is not an outbreak. The cases are sporadic, but all are from the same area. The diagnosis is still underway and the cause has to be confirmed,” said Dr. Abid of District Hospital Ganderbal. He added that patients are being treated and higher authorities have been informed for necessary sampling and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities in the area. “There is a need for awareness. Drinking water must be boiled before use. Ice creams and other unhygienic edibles can also carry such infections and need to be avoided,” officials cautioned.