Hepatitis A & E Cases Rise in Mangaluru: What Doctors and the Public Need to Know?

Mangaluru Sees Rise in Hepatitis A & E Infections 

With the increase in Hepatitis A and E cases on the rise, public health officers have advised the people of Mangaluru to be careful and take safety measures to prevent the spread of this disease. The health department is saying that the situation is under control and that further steps will be taken. 

District Health Officer Dr H. R. Thimmaiah said that health workers have visited 832 houses in the affected areas. The affected areas include Bunder, Dongarakeri, and Alape. During the Survey, they checked if anyone had experienced symptoms such as fever, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), vomiting, stomach pain and dark urine. Along with new cases, health officials were told to advise everyone on how to protect themselves from this infection. Methods such as drinking clean water, having good hygiene and washing hands regularly were advised.

According to the officials, around 15 Hepatitis A cases have been reported in the past few weeks. Though many people refer to this infection as ‘jaundice ’, doctors have explained that jaundice is actually a symptom and not a disease. Hepatitis A and E are infections that affect the liver. This usually happens when people have contaminated food and water. The yellowing of the eyes and skin is usually caused by a buildup of bilirubin in your blood. This happens when red blood cells break down, but the liver cannot process the resulting waste efficiently, or the bile ducts get blocked. 

Most of the time, with good bed rest, fluids and proper care, people can recover from this illness. However, there are times when it can develop into a more serious issue. Some of those situations include:

• Senior Citizens
• Pregnant Women
• Or patients with a weak immune system.

Many Officials believe that during monsoon season, the chances of such infections are higher because rainwater could contaminate water sources. This is usually dealt with if the sanitation systems are working properly.

In order to find the source of the infection, the health department has been collecting water samples from various sites within the affected areas for testing. Officials are also inspecting the water sources and checking if the problem arose from within the water supply systems or through the sanitation facility. Food hygiene in the affected areas is also being monitored to identify possible sources of infection. 

Doctors are advising the general public to drink boiled/ purified water, eat freshly prepared food, preferably at home, and wash any fruits and vegetables well. Wash your hands before and after eating, and most importantly, wash your hands after using the toilet. Anyone who finds themselves feeling unwell should visit their nearest clinic for timely treatment.

The District Health Department has assured residents that surveillance activities will continue until the situation is fully under control. Health workers will keep visiting affected neighbourhoods, identify new cases at an early stage, and educate the public about hygiene and safe drinking water practices. Officials have urged the public to stay calm, follow the advisory, and seek medical care if symptoms develop. They believe that community awareness, early diagnosis, and good sanitation will play a key role in preventing further spread of Hepatitis Cases in Mangaluru.