Hepatitis, H1N1 cases surge in Ernakulam

KOCHI: The sudden surge in the number of H1N1 and hepatitis cases in the district is a major concern for the district medical office authorities. As many as four H1N1 deaths and a hepatitis death have been reported from Ernakulam till May 31. Compared to the previous year, the number of hepatitis cases reported in the district from January to May is high. One person has died and as many as 292 suspected cases and 81 confirmed cases have been reported during the five months. In 2016, only 36 suspected and 15 confirmed cases were reported in the same period.

“The most number of hepatitis-A cases have been reported from Kalamassery municipal area. The source of the disease outbreak was found to be the unhygienic wayside food stalls,” said district medical officer Dr. N.K Kuttappan while addressing a press conference at Ernakulam Press Club on Friday. According to the DMO, the surge in the number of H1N1 cases was a major concern as it spread through air. A total of 113 confirmed cases were reported. “Though a suspected and a confirmed diphtheria death were reported, outbreak could be prevented following effective and timely intervention of health officials and local bodies. Two more confirmed cases were reported from Sreemoolanagaram and Palluruthy,” he said.