More Than 100 Hepatitis A Cases Recorded In Ernakulum, Kerala: Department Of Health
As of the latest data from the Department of Health, the total number of reported cases of Hepatitis A since February 1 has exceeded 320.
Ernakulam has seen more than 100 cases of hepatitis A in the last three weeks. Between March 11 and March 31, the district recorded 110 cases. As of the latest data from the Department of Health, the total number of reported cases since February 1 has exceeded 320.
Between March 11 and March 31, the highest number of hepatitis A cases in Ernakulam occurred on March 22, with 22 cases. Other significant spikes were reported on March 13 (14 cases) and March 29 (12 cases), while 11 cases were recorded on March 18.
Health authorities have linked the rise in cases to the consumption of contaminated water and food. On March 22, a cluster outbreak was reported in an apartment complex in Thrikkakara, which accounted for 22 of the cases. In response, remedial actions were taken in collaboration with the municipality's health department to curb the disease's spread.
"As part of control measures, we have asked local bodies across the district to ensure super-chlorination of water sources, especially wells used for supply of drinking water under various schemes of the Kerala Water Authority," they said.
"Apartment complexes have also been told to ensure that the water distributed in tankers remains safe for consumption," they said.
Varghese Plassery, the chairperson of the Health standing committee of Thrikkakara municipality, said that super-chlorination of wells had been initiated across wards as part of efforts to check the spread of hepatitis A cases. Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in association with health workers in the civic body were participating in the drive, he added.
On the action initiated to prevent the use of contaminated food and water in eateries, he said directives had been issued to food outlets. "We have also imposed fines up to 25,000 against those found operating in violation of food safety norms," he said.