Amid reports of surge in cases of viral hepatitis among children in Shimla district, the state’s Health Department has deployed teams of health professionals in the affected areas of the district.
The teams have been assigned the work of active surveillance, identification of additional cases, assessment of sanitation and drinking water conditions and public awareness on preventive measures.
As per the Health Department, 11 children with symptoms suggestive of viral hepatitis were admitted to the Paediatric Ward of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Zonal Hospital (DDUZH), Shimla, in May. Of them, seven were confirmed positive for hepatitis-A. Several children with mild symptoms have also been evaluated and treated on OPD basis.
Chief Medical Officer, Shimla, Dr Yashpal Ranta, informed that these cases have emerged gradually over more than one month with about one case reported daily or on alternate days. “Presently, there is no evidence of clustering or outbreak from any particular locality. The affected children belong to different areas and the situation is under close monitoring,” he said.
“The department is also coordinating with the agencies concerned to ensure safe drinking water supply and sanitation,” he added.
“Hepatitis-A and Hepatitis-E spread mainly through the faecal-oral route due to contaminated food or water and poor personal hygiene,” said the CMO.
He appealed to the public to consume safe, preferably boiled, drinking water, maintain hand hygiene, avoid uncovered food and cut fruits from unhygienic sources and ensure cleanliness in surroundings. People have been advised to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice or dark-coloured urine appear.
He assured that the department is continuously monitoring the situation and all necessary preventive and control measures are being undertaken in public interest.
