Shimla sees increase in Hepatitis A cases among children

Health department officials announced on Saturday that there has been a gradual increase in cases of Viral Hepatitis among children at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Zonal Hospital (DDUZH) in Shimla during May.

So far, 11 children with symptoms indicative of Viral Hepatitis have been admitted to the Pediatric Ward, with seven of them confirmed positive for Hepatitis A.

In addition to these cases, several children exhibiting mild symptoms have been evaluated and treated on an outpatient basis.

Chief Medical Officer, Shimla, Dr Yashpal Ranta, stated that these cases have emerged gradually over the past month, with approximately one case being reported daily or every other day.

Currently, there is no evidence of a cluster or outbreak originating from any specific locality. The affected children come from various areas, and the situation is being closely monitored.

As a precaution, health professionals have been deployed to these affected areas to conduct active surveillance, identify additional cases, assess sanitation and drinking water conditions, and raise public awareness about preventive measures.

The health department is also coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure a safe supply of drinking water and proper sanitation.

Dr Ranta stated that Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E spread mainly through the faecal-oral route due to contaminated food or water and poor personal hygiene. He 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 are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, or dark-coloured urine.

The Health Department in Shimla is continuously monitoring the situation and is implementing all necessary preventive and control measures in the public's interest.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)