Spike in Hepatitis A cases in Kerala's Malappuram; people advised to avoid welcome drinks

Malappuram: Preventive measures have been intensified owing to the viral hepatitis infection in Vallikunnu, Chelembra, Kuzhimanna, and Pallikal panchayats, health department officials say. This year, Malappuram district has reported 1,420 confirmed cases, 5,360 suspected cases, and 11 deaths due to viral hepatitis. Seven deaths suspected to be due to this viral infection were also reported.

In June alone, 154 confirmed cases and 1,607 suspected cases were reported. Among these, the highest number of cases were reported in Athanikkal (245), Kuzhimanna (91), Moonniyur (85), Chelembra (53), Kondotty (51), Tirurangadi (48), Parappanangadi (48), and Nannambra (30). 

District Medical Officer Dr R Renuka informed that steps had been taken to clean water by chlorinating the wells in the area once every three days under the leadership of health workers. Health workers and ASHA workers are also engaged in house-to-house awareness activities. A microphone announcement about precautions the public should take is also being made.

District Surveillance Officer and DMO, Dr C Shubin, says that most of the disease spread is through contaminated water. Most events now serve welcome drinks. There are no particular benefits to this practice, but it can be quite dangerous as there is no way to know what water is used to make these drinks. This practice should be discontinued, at least during the rainy season, he said. Dr Shubin also advised against consuming water and other drinks from outside as much as possible. The disease can also be transmitted from the ice used in these drinks, as the same unfiltered water is used to make it.

Most cases of viral hepatitis (jaundice) are in areas from Kondotty to the Malappuram municipal boundaries. This is an area with regular reports of disease due to contaminated water, owing to the prevalence of paddy fields.

How Does It Spread?

Jaundice can be caused by tumours, gallstones, malaria, etc., but the main cause is often hepatitis, which is transmitted through contaminated water. The disease occurs when the virus that comes out of the faeces of patients is transmitted to others either via water or food. The disease can also be contracted by sharing things that have been used by patients. In Malappuram, the disease spreads mostly through feasts and food prepared in shops.

Drink Only Boiled Water

The best way to prevent jaundice is to drink well-boiled water. It is wise not to drink water from outside. All water sources can become contaminated in various ways. Boiling water at 60 degrees Celsius ensures that all the viruses are killed. This can then be cooled down and used.

Symptoms

The symptoms begin with a slight fever and tiredness. There will be headache and nausea. Urine and stool may be discoloured. Yellow colour on the skin can only be seen after five days of the onset of symptoms. It is only then that people usually identify the disease. 

More Cases of Hepatitis A

There are many viruses that cause jaundice like hepatitis A, B, C, and D. Type-3 hepatitis A virus is more common in the district.