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Ernakulam Battles Rising Hepatitis A Cases
17 Mar
Summary
- Ernakulam reports over 150 monthly Hepatitis A cases, highest in the state.
- Unhealthy practices like unboiled water and improper cooking are cited as causes.
- Experts warn of monsoon season exacerbating the spread of the disease.
Ernakulam district has recorded a substantial increase in Hepatitis A cases over the past two months, with over 150 cases reported monthly, making it the highest in the state. This surge is largely due to practices such as consuming unboiled water and inadequately cooked food.
Medical experts highlight that poor hygiene, particularly in food establishments, contributes to the spread of the virus via the fecal-oral route. The impending monsoon season is expected to exacerbate the transmission of the disease. Additionally, a crisis involving LPG supply could lead to undercooked food being served in restaurants.
While health officials in areas like Kalamassery, which experienced an outbreak last year, are prepared with measures like mass chlorination and health education, the general public is urged to remain vigilant. Reliance on untreated water during summer exacerbates the risk of water- and food-borne illnesses.
