Malappuram/Kozhikode: From 2022 to 2024, the state has witnessed a worrying upward trend in Hepatitis A cases. In 2022, Kerala reported nearly 800 cases, which spiked to 1034 in 2023. Among all districts, Malappuram reported the highest number of cases in 2023, with 521 individuals affected. Notably, the Pothugal panchayath in Malappuram emerged as a hotspot with 29 cases recorded in October 2023 alone.
Health officials attribute the rise in cases to the use of untreated water from ponds and streams in local hotels and restaurants, particularly in densely populated areas. The lack of boiling water before consumption has been identified as a significant contributing factor to the spread of the Hepatitis A virus.
“One way to combat this is to ensure that boiled water is consumed at all hotels and small restaurants. We found that water taken from streams and ponds is being used without heating, which is one reason why cases have been reported in large numbers. With temperatures soaring and most districts crossing the 36-degree mark, water availability is also a major issue. We have already given strict instructions to all hotels that only heated water is made available for drinking purposes,” said Dr K Shaji, Public health expert and physician to ‘Health on Air’.
Echoing these concerns, Dr. Hari, head of community medicine at Kollam Government Hospital, emphasized the critical role of cleanliness in preventing Hepatitis A transmission. “Water scarcity is one reason. This year, the shortage was higher compared to previous years. Hepatitis is mostly seen in the Malappuram district and Kozhikode. We have been giving awareness lessons to the public, but still more needs to be done on the ground. Cleanliness is a critical factor as far as Hepatitis A is concerned,” he said.
Dr. Shaji emphasized the common symptoms of Hepatitis A, including fatigue, fever, and nausea, particularly prevalent in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts. “There was a strange incident in Kozhikode last year; at least 120 people, mostly youngsters, had serious health issues after a marriage party. When we investigated the root cause, it was found that the water used for the welcome drinks was taken from a pond where, two days ago, a woman who was Hepatitis A positive had taken a bath. The Hepatitis virus spreads through urine samples, and thus people should be extremely careful in consuming water sold in hotels. One should ensure water is heated properly before drinking,” he warned.
Dr. Vincent, a physician at Ernakulam Government Hospital, highlighted the importance of clean drinking water and Hepatitis A vaccination in preventing the spread of the virus. He emphasized the need for proper recovery time in case of infection.
Meanwhile, Ankit Singh, Head of Partnerships at Vaccine on Wheels, has initiated a movement named “VaccineKarayaKya” to address the Hepatitis A outbreak in Kerala. Concerned by the lack of compliance with health regulations, Singh emphasizes the importance of citizen action in ensuring food safety and public health.
“In one of our recent discussions surrounding the Hepatitis A outbreak, we initially anticipated spreading awareness and implementing basic vaccination remedies among food processing companies and institutions to address the issue witnessed in Kerala. However, our findings were alarming and concerning,” Singh stated.
Singh urges citizens to inquire about vaccination and health check-ups at eateries to ensure public safety. By advocating for compliance with health regulations, citizens can contribute to a safer environment and prevent endemic situations.
(Inputs from our Radio partner from Kerala.)
