THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Health Department has urged the public to take preventive steps in the wake of reports regarding the spread of hepatitis infection in some parts of the state. A communication from the department said Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E spread through drinking water and food. More number of cases reported in the state were of Hepatitis A.
Fever with body pain, headache, fatigue and vomiting are the symptoms of Hepatitis A. If the person does not get treatment in time, he will develop yellow skin, liver damage and even death.
The department urged the people to drink boiled water and prevent contamination of water resources. Water sources should be chlorinated once in a month. People should wash their hands with soap before food and after defecation.
Open, stale and contaminated food should be avoided. Consume only hot and well kept food. Use fruits and vegetable after thorough washing.
Those consuming cool drinks should ensure that ice used was made with safe water. Food waste should not be thrown in the open. Care should be taken to avoid leakage of toilet waste into wells.