Ludhiana, November 27
Patients suffering from jaundice in Khanna, Samrala, Doraha areas have started pouring in at city hospitals. Though no death has been reported following the outbreak of jaundice, yet more than 200 cases of the disease have been detected by the authorities so far.
Dr Rajoo Singh Chhina, Medical Superintendent, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), admitted that more than 10 patients from Doraha and nearby villages like Kaddon and Araichan had visited the hospital in the past two days. He assured that there was no need to panic as the disease was reversible. “These patients are suffering from hepatitis A and E virus. hepatitis A is found in children and hepatitis E in adults. Hepatitis E is very dangerous for pregnant women as the mortality rate increases upto 20 per cent. Both the viruses are spread through contaminated water and food. Poor sewerage system can be a major source of contaminated water. The patients who have been discharged, were complaining of fatigue, loss of appetite and fever. The colour of their eyes was changed to yellow”, said Dr Chhina.
Dr Chhina said no vaccinations were available for jaundice and precautions were the only solution. “People in the affected areas should consume boiled, cleaned warm water. The patients should not waste time if their serum bilirubin level was more than 20 or there were repeated
vomiting or there was any altercation of sensorium”, stressed Dr Chhina.
The health authorities had also conducted a survey in the township and surrounding areas and more than 200 affected patients were found. The health officials have been distributing chlorine tablets in the affected areas. Apart from this, the health workers have been educating people about proper sanitation. The workers maintained that improper water supply and post monsoon season could be the reason of the outbreak of jaundice.
Dr S.N.Tiwari when asked about the report of the samples of water, said, “Report is still awaited and we’ll get it after a few days”.
