Health officials have confirmed that tap water samples from Palluruthy, Kerala, tested positive for E. coli, implicating the Kerala Water Authority's supply in a local hepatitis A outbreak. The contamination was identified in three households where residents have been diagnosed with the virus.

The discovery follows a cluster of hepatitis A cases in the area, prompting authorities to investigate potential sources of infection. Water samples were collected from the homes of infected individuals and analyzed at public health laboratories.

Officials have alerted the Kerala Water Authority and initiated measures to sanitize the distribution network. Residents have been advised to boil water before consumption until further notice.

The district health department will conduct additional water testing and enhanced disease surveillance over the next week. A public advisory on preventive measures is expected to be issued by the state health ministry on Wednesday.