Health Minister says Hepatitis A under control in risk-prone Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George said that factors such as rains that can fall at any time of the year, climatic features, high population density and the presence of forests in the environment make the State a high risk area for the spread of infectious diseases.

The minister said that in the wake of Viral Hepatitis A being reported more in some places in the State, awareness has been created and health workers have visited those places. Special medical teams were appointed for supervision and monitoring. SOP regarding plasma exchange has been released. Wherever the disease has been reported as part of scientific intervention, the situation is fully under control.  In Munniyoor of Malappuram district, where the latest outbreak was reported, there are no inpatients, the minister informed.

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The minister said that every year, year-long vigilance activities are carried out to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. She was replying to the Opposition's demand to stop the Assembly proceedings and discuss the situation where deaths are said to be increasing in the State due to infectious diseases, including yellow fever.

Vigilant activities for 2024 were decided by the end of 2023 itself and activities as per vigil calendar started from the beginning of the year. Every month, the Ministry monitors and reviews the epidemic prevention and control activities in the State. In May, the Health Department had formed a Rapid Response Team for the prevention of monsoon diseases. Also, cleaning drives have been conducted under the leadership of the Local Department. In the wake of heavy rains in May, cases of rabies were likely to rise in June. But that possibility could be prevented with proper measures, claimed the Minister.