Preventive measures taken to control hepatitis

Nadira Gunatilleke

COLOMBO: The number of viral hepatitis cases reported from Gampola area has decreased significantly. The number of patients reported on Monday was only 25, Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.

He refuted the rumours that viral hepatitis is spreading other areas of the country. They had already taken precautions to prevent this.

According to the Epidemiology Unit officials, the water resources in the affected areas are not safe because some people live in areas which do not use toilets and there is a danger of excreta mix with these water resources. A joint programme should be implemented by the Provincial Health authorities and Water Supply Board to control this situation.

The sources said that the public should be made aware of the outbreak and should continue to drink boiled water only and restricted themselves to eating home cooked food in order to prevent the spread of viral hepatitis.

The symptoms of viral hepatitis are yellowish eyes, yellowish palms, dark colour urine, fever, vomiting, loose motion, loss of appetite etc and treatment should be seek as soon as these symptoms appear. After about one week the symptoms disappear.