Hepatitis cases surge in Thrissur: public urged to exercise extreme caution

The number of hepatitis cases is rapidly increasing in the district, with 57 people infected in May.

Alarmingly, seven cases were confirmed on May 28 alone. With the onset of the monsoon, the risk of infectious diseases spreading is on the rise, prompting health officials to issue strong warning to the public.

District Medical Officer (DMO T.P. Sreedevi stressed the need for heightened vigilance. “Only boiled and properly treated water should be used for drinking. Avoid stale food at all costs,” she advised.

Hepatitis A and E, which primarily affect the liver, are caused by contaminated food and water. The DMO stressed that hotels and eateries should ensure that drinking water was boiled before serving and cold water should not be mixed with hot water.

With monsoon conditions favouring the spread of waterborne diseases, the public are also urged to watch out for symptoms of diarrhoea. Hepatitis symptoms may take 15 to 60 days to appear after exposure. Early signs include fever with body pain, headache, fatigue, nausea, and eventually yellowing of the eyes, skin, and urine.

Wash hands

Health officials advised people to wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet, trim nails and maintain personal hygiene, dispose of human waste only in toilets, drink only boiled water, dispose of children’s waste safely, store food and drinking water in sealed containers, avoid spoiled or contaminated food, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before use, ensure chlorination and water purification at pumping stations, and to periodically chlorinate well water.

Avoid self-medication

Early intervention is crucial to preventing the spread of infections. The Health department has already initiated disease-prevention measures. During festivals and travel, people should pay extra attention to food and beverage hygiene. Anyone showing symptoms of diarrhoea should avoid self-medication and immediately consult health workers, the DMO said.

Published - June 03, 2025 08:49 pm IST