In view of the surge in cases of viral hepatitis among children at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Zonal Hospital (DDUZH) in Shimla, the state’s Health Department has deployed teams of health professionals in 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, as many as 11 children with symptoms suggestive of viral hepatitis have required admission in the pediatric ward, out of which seven have been confirmed positive for hepatitis A. Several children with mild symptoms have also been evaluated and treated on an OPD basis.
Shimla Chief Medical Officer 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.
How the virus spreads
“The department is also coordinating with concerned agencies to ensure safe drinking water supply and sanitation,” he added.
“Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E spread mainly through the fecal-oral route due to contaminated food or water and poor personal hygiene,” said the CMO.
How to stay safe
He also 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-colored urine appear.
He assured that the department is continuously monitoring the situation and all necessary preventive and control measures are being undertaken in the public interest.
