Jaundice and Hepatitis A outbreak in Guwahati
A serious outbreak of jaundice in North Guwahati has caused concern among health officials in the area. According to reports, at least 72 people have been diagnosed with the disease, with the number of cases continuing to rise. This outbreak comes on the heels of a Hepatitis A outbreak that claimed the lives of four people, including a 16-year-old girl.
Contaminated Water Suspected to be the Cause
Officials suspect that contaminated water from a redundant railway tank and other sources may be responsible for the outbreak. Joint director of health services Mahitosh Banerjee said that “it is suspected that contaminated water from a redundant tank of the railways and some other sources of water has resulted in the outbreak of the disease.” The district administration has served a show-cause notice to the Railways, as many of the patients fell ill after consuming contaminated water from a tank in Amingaon reportedly operated by NF Railway. One Hepatitis B and one Hepatitis C case have also been detected in the area.
Kamrup deputy commissioner Keerthi Jalli has urged residents to take extra precautions when consuming water in the affected areas. She said that “our major concern is Hepatitis A, though it is the season when the disease occurs. People here are mainly facing health issues after consuming water provided by the Railways.” NF Railway CPRO Sabyasachi De, however, said that the matter has yet to be brought to the attention of the highest authority in the NF Railway headquarters in Maligaon.
In response to the outbreak, HCM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Loco Colony in Amingaon to offer his condolences to a family that had lost members due to Hepatitis A. He has instructed officials to ensure strict adherence to infection prevention and control measures. Meanwhile, health officials conducted another round of medical check-ups in the area on Saturday.
The local government has issued guidelines for the prevention of waterborne diseases, and residents have been advised to take necessary precautions to avoid contamination. The health officials are working tirelessly to provide adequate medical facilities and care for the affected individuals. It is crucial that people follow the guidelines and cooperate with the authorities to control the spread of jaundice and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Jaundice becomes a major concern with 72 affected in Guwahati
Jaundice is a disease that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes and can lead to liver failure. It is caused by a virus that is spread through contaminated food and water. The disease is highly contagious and can spread quickly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. Symptoms of jaundice include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
The outbreak of jaundice in North Guwahati is a cause for concern, as the disease can be life-threatening if left untreated. Health officials are working to identify the source of the contamination and take measures to prevent the further spread of the disease. Mass screening is underway in the area, with health officials testing people for the virus. The rapid spread of Jaundice has become a cause of concern in North Guwahati, Assam, as the number of infected individuals continues to rise. On Friday, medical examinations were conducted on 337 people, out of which 11 more were diagnosed with the illness. This brings the total number of Jaundice cases in the region to 72.
It is important that residents of Guwahati take the necessary precautions to avoid contamination and prevent the spread of the disease. This includes boiling water before drinking, washing hands frequently, and avoiding eating raw or undercooked food. Health officials are also advising residents to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of the disease.
The outbreak of jaundice in North Guwahati is a stark reminder of the importance of access to clean water and sanitation facilities. The government must take steps to improve access to these basic necessities to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases in the future. The health and well-being of the community depend on it.
