‘Kashmir recorded 38 Hepatitis-A outbreaks this year’

Srinagar, Nov 23: In the 10 months since January 2024, shockingly, 38 outbreaks of Hepatitis A, mostly among children were documented by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) across the 10 districts of Kashmir.

While sporadic cases of Hepatitis A, a water-borne disease, have made news lately, Greater Kashmir has learnt the viral water-borne disease has been rampant across Kashmir this year. The data shared by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), under the DHSK, reveal that 38 outbreaks have taken place in Kashmir since January.

“An outbreak is defined as ‘more than 5 cases’ from a single setting,” State Surveillance Officer IDSP, Dr Samina Gul told Greater Kashmir. “Most of the outbreaks were in the south Kashmir districts of Anantnag and Shopian, although other districts of Kashmir were also affected.”

Dr Gul said that the summer months, especially July, were the most severe.

“The cases continue to be reported even in November,” she said.

The number of outbreaks points out to widespread contamination of water sources in Kashmir.

“The contaminated water supply is usually the main source of infection, and sometimes contaminated food is also the source,” Dr Gul said. “Many times people consume water from springs in many areas, and the spring water is also contaminated, especially following rains.”

She said: “We have robust mechanisms in place and our rapid response teams visit the areas wherefrom reports of any such disease are received. We send water samples for testing, and often, it is found to be unsatisfactory. The reports are then shared with local departments for further action.”

Although there are no public records of the number of outbreaks in Kashmir in a particular year, a research article states that from 2015 to 2017, there were 12 outbreaks of the Hepatitis A illness in Kashmir.

Many of the sick, especially children, have required admission for treatment.

The Medical Superintendent of Children Hospital Bemina, Dr Abdul Rasheed Parra said that 134 pediatric patients with Hepatitis A were admitted to the hospital in September and October.

He said that the data for November was yet to be compiled, but acknowledged that patients “continue to come in numbers”.

Many doctors that Greater Kashmir spoke to expressed shock over the quality of drinking water people have access to.

“Clean drinking water is a necessity, not a luxury,” a senior health officer said. “People need to be proactive and safeguard their families from water-borne diseases.”

Speaking about the recent reports of Hepatitis A in Bandipora, Dr Gul said that their teams that work under the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the district had surveyed the area.

“It does not meet the definition of outbreak. There were a couple of sporadic cases and we are awaiting water testing reports,” she said.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV).

It spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water. It is a water-borne disease often associated with poor sanitation and hygiene. Common symptoms are fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, Hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease, but it can lead to severe symptoms.

Hepatitis A vaccine, though not part of the routine immunisation programme in India, is available in the market and is considered the best prevention method.