Kozhikode: Around 200 people have been diagnosed with jaundice at Changaroth Panchayat in Perambra, Kozhikode. Most of the infected people are students of Paleri North Higher Secondary School.

All eighteen wards of Changaroth Panchayat are under observation. Health workers have intensified preventive measures, but the source of the disease remains unclear.

How it is transmitted

Jaundice can be caused by tumors, gallstones, malaria etc, but the main cause is hepatitis, which is transmitted through contaminated water. The disease occurs when the virus that comes out of the feces of the sick person enters the stomach of another person through water or food. Water itself is most likely to be contaminated, thereby contaminating the food also. It can also be spread by sharing items used by patients.

Boiled water only solution

The only way to prevent jaundice is to drink only well-boiled water. It is wise not to drink water from outside. All water sources can become polluted during the year. Boiling at 60 degrees heat for one minute will kill the viruses. After that you can cool it down and drink.

Symptoms

It starts with a small fever. You will feel very tired. There will be headache, nausea and vomiting. Urine and stool may be discolored. Only after five days you will see the yellow tint over the body. Only then will people recognise it as jaundice. This yellow colour is caused by a malfunction in the production and distribution of bile.

Points to note for people with confirmed or suspected hepatitis, and caregivers

  • Avoid close contact with others for 2 weeks or a week after the onset of jaundice. 
  • Avoid preparing food and drinks.
  • Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and water, especially after defecation and before eating.
  • Restroom surfaces used by the patient should be used by others only after they have been cleaned with a bleach solution.
  • Separately house the affected inmates of hostels or dormitories.
  • Do not share clothes, utensils or other items used by the patient with others.
  • Clothes and utensils used by the patient should be washed separately. 
  • Clean them with a disinfectant such as a 0.5% bleach solution. (A 0.5% bleaching solution can be prepared by mixing 15 grams or 3 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon of bleaching powder in 1 litre of water.)
  • Alcohol-based hand rubs are not effective in killing hepatitis A bacteria.