The Hindu : Kerala News : Steps to control viral hepatitis intensified

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 16, 2005

Kerala

Kerala

Steps to control viral hepatitis intensified

By Our Staff Reporter

KOTTAYAM, JAN. 15. Even as the district reported one more death on account of viral hepatitis, taking the toll to nine during the past six months, the district authorities have intensified preventive and control operations that were put in place in November.

P.M. Babu of Punnampurackel, Kottayam, died at the Kottayam Medical College hospital on Friday. He was admitted on Thursday.

Source identified

Meanwhile, the Health authorities issued a press note making it clear that they have identified the primary source of the viral hepatitis outbreak in the medical college area.

According to them, the sewage treatment plant at the MCH had not been working for the past eight to nine years and the sewage waste had been allowed to flow in to the open fields in the back on the campus. They had also found many of the wells, which were being used as water sources by the people, unsuitable for drinking.

The outbreak, which started in September, had peaked by the fourth week and ever since it had been coming down, the office of the district medical officer said.

According to the District Collector, Rani George, in January so far, only 14 cases were reported at the MCH.

Investigation

A meeting of the authorities concerned, called by the District Collector had decided to entrust the investigation into the source of the viral hepatitis at MCH premises to a national body, as was demanded by the Medical College Teachers, she said.

All operations initiated so far would continue, she said and added that steps would be speeded up on the proposed sewage plant. The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) would tender the work before January 31, Ms. George said. Another project aimed at the sanitation outside the MCH campus, is also on the anvil, she said.

The Rs. 31-lakh project would be a joint venture among local bodies, beneficiaries and the Pollution Control Board. This project too would be tendered by January 31, she said.

The Collector said that parts of the district were already moving towards a drought situation and a meeting of local bodies representatives and officials would be convened next week to discuss the same.

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