Daijiworld Media Network – Thrissur
Thrissur, Jun 3: A concerning rise in hepatitis cases has gripped the district, with 57 infections reported in May alone. Alarm bells rang louder on May 28, when seven new cases were confirmed in a single day. With the onset of the monsoon, health officials have issued a stern warning to the public to remain alert against the spread of infectious diseases.
District Medical Officer (DMO) T P Sreedevi urged the public to take precautions seriously. “Only boiled and properly treated water should be used for drinking. Avoid stale food at all costs,” she advised.
Hepatitis A and E, both of which affect the liver, are commonly spread through contaminated food and water. The DMO emphasized that hotels and eateries must boil water before serving and avoid mixing cold water with hot water.
With monsoon conditions creating a breeding ground for waterborne diseases, health officials have asked people to stay alert for diarrhoea symptoms. Hepatitis infections may take 15 to 60 days to surface, with early signs including fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, nausea, and later, yellowing of the skin, eyes, and urine.
The Health Department has outlined several preventive steps:
• Drink only boiled or purified water
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet
• Avoid spoiled or uncovered food
• Trim nails and maintain personal hygiene
• Safely dispose of children's waste
• Store food and drinking water in covered containers
• Wash fruits and vegetables well
• Ensure chlorination of water at pumping stations and periodically chlorinate well water
DMO Sreedevi stressed that early intervention is crucial in containing the spread of infection. She urged the public to remain cautious during festivals and travel by prioritizing hygiene. Anyone experiencing diarrhoea should avoid self-medication and consult health personnel immediately.
The Health Department has already begun preventive efforts across the district as it braces for monsoon-linked health challenges.