Kerala records spike in Hepatitis A cases, 4 districts on alert

Mangalore Today News Network

Kozhikode, May 16, 2024: Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Wednesday directed officials to strengthen the grassroot level action plan to deal with the rising cases of Hepatitis-A in the state.

The state has witnessed a sharp increase in the Hepatitis-A cases, especially in Malappuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Thrissur districts.

 

The health department officials have also been meeting with the district and state-level officials to coordinate activities.

According to a government statement, Chaliyar and Pothukallu areas in Malappuram have reported Hepatitis deaths and the action plan has been formulated by assessing the prevention and awareness activities undertaken in these areas.

Jaundice was under control in Pothukallu. But after new cases were reported, the district administration under the leadership of the district medical officer and the people’s representatives held meetings at Chaliyar and Pothukallu to strengthen prevention activities, the statement said.

All drinking water sources in affected areas have been instructed to be chlorinated. All hotels and restaurants have also been instructed to serve only boiled water.

The Hepatitis A virus affects the liver and is transmitted through contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with an infectious person.

Severe illness is mainly reported in immunocompromised individuals and those with other co-morbidities such as HIV and liver disease.

The symptoms of Hepatitis A include fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, itching, and jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes, urine, skin, and nails).

The preventive measures include drinking of boiled water, avoiding open defecation, and washing hands before eating, among others.

Courtesy: India Today