Malappuram: With the death of a thirty-two-year-old Chembankolly native, the Viral Hepatitis death toll rose to three within a month at Edakkara here. 

The Health Department has issued an alert in the area where the disease outbreak was reported, according to Malappuram DMO R Renuka. They have advised seeking medical treatment if any symptoms of the disease appear.

Dr Subhash R, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Pattom SUT Hospital, shared information on the deadly disease.

What is Viral Hepatitis? 

Viral Hepatitis is an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. Liver inflammation caused by a viral infection should be taken seriously. Mainly five types of viruses–Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E- are causing inflammation of the liver. Among them Hepatitis B and C variants are more common, and these two are causing death in over 11 lakhs of patients each year and creating over 30 lakh new patients. 

As per the WHO, around 3000 people are dying of this disease on a daily basis across the world.

Types of Hepatitis 

Hepatitis B, C: The disease can be transmitted from an infected one to others through their blood and other body fluids. This can be sexually transmitted, or from mother to child. Infection of these viruses can lead to chronic hepatitis, leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis D: This virus affects only hepatitis B patients. The co-infection can be very complicated.

Hepatitis A, and E: These are transmitted through polluted water or food. Compared to the infection of Hepatitis B and C, this infection is less complicated.

Symptoms

Jaundice, lethargy, stomach ache, fever and loss of appetite.

Treatment

Antiviral treatments are effective for Hepatitis B and C infection. The timely treatment can prevent complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. No antiviral medicines are required to treat hepatitis A and E. Treatment to ensure liver health would only be required.

Prevention

By consuming clean food and boiled water, especially during travels, hepatitis A and E can be prevented.

Preventive measures for hepatitis B and C: 

1. Ensure single use of medical items like needles and syringes
2. Don’t share things like shaving set, blade, toothbrush etc
3. Do tattooing and acupuncturing only from safe places
4. Ensure safe sex
5. Undergo screening tests in case of infection possibility

Vaccines

Effective vaccines are available for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B infections. If proper awareness is created among people, then the disease can be totally controlled.