OUTBREAK OF VIRAL HEPATITIS IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN

Dr PMP Singh; Dr Rajiva; Dr MS Mustafa; Dr Sukhmeet Minhas

Volume : IX, Issue : IV, April - 2020

OUTBREAK OF VIRAL HEPATITIS IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN

Dr Pmp Singh, Dr Rajiva, Dr Ms Mustafa, Dr Sukhmeet Minhas

Abstract :

Introduction The study comprises of over 3000 cases of faeco orally transmitted Viral hepatitis in a small town in a hilly state which occurred from May 2009 to Jul 2009. Materials and Methods The study design used was a cross section descriptive study. Personal liaison was made with all possible agencies; and reliable data was obtained. The record of bacteriological examination of water for coliforms was reviewed. Blue print of water supply and sewage was also studied in detail, besides door to door survey in several areas of the town. Results During the period Jun to Oct 2009 approximately 3600 cases of Viral Hepatitis occurred in the town. Population of the town was approximately 60000. This gives an approximate incidence of 60 per 1000 or 6%. Bacteriological reports of water samples taken from several small mountain streams and rivulets were unsatisfactory. Only about 5% to 10% of the town population had access to sanitary latrine and septic tank method of sewage disposal. Discussion Previous research has revealed an attack rate of Viral Hepatitis E between 1.9% to 17%. 1,15 In the present study, we observed an attack rate of 6%. Recommendations We strongly recommend that health education of all be carried out on prevention and control of water borne diseases. Conclusion: The workers depict how despite safe drinking water being supplied by the Jal Sansthan, a massive outeak of Viral Hepatitis occurred, primarily due to lack of awareness among the local population.