12 cases of hepatitis A confirmed in Kalamassery in a month

As many as 12 cases of hepatitis A have been confirmed in Kalamassery, Ernakulam, over the past month. The source of infection has not yet been identified, and the authorities believe the affected individuals may have contracted the disease from outside sources rather than from the water sources in the municipality.

“These cases are isolated and unconnected. Though the individuals reside in Kalamassery, they are a mobile crowd, travelling for work or studies to various parts of Ernakulam. They likely got infected after consuming food from outside the municipality. As per our assessment, there is no indication that the source of infection is within the municipality,” said Kalamassery ward 5 councillor Hajara Beevi.

Back in 2024, around this time of year, a few wards in Kalamassery had experienced significant hepatitis A clusters. “So this time, we have been extremely cautious and have been carrying out regular cleaning drives, including chlorination of water sources. There was one case in which four members of a family were affected; the other cases are isolated. What we need to be careful about is preventing person-to-person transmission,” said a Health department official.

Once the cases came to light, samples were sent for testing, and the water quality was found to be satisfactory. Superchlorination was also carried out. “The water authority personnel also checked for leaks, but none were found,” the councillor added.

Residents have been alerted through WhatsApp about this and advised to follow hygiene practices, the official added. A total of 14 samples have been collected from juice shops and eateries in wards 3, 4 and 5. “Although cases have been reported only from ward 5, some of the shops where infected individuals consumed food are located on the fringes of wards 3 and 4,” said the official.

Hepatitis A, often called “jaundice” in Kerala, spreads through contaminated food and water and affects the liver, usually resolving in a few weeks, said Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convenor of the Research Cell, Kerala State IMA. “Rarely, however, it can cause liver failure, especially in those over 40 or with underlying liver conditions, sometimes even requiring liver transplantation,” added Dr. Jayadevan.

Prevention

Prevention is through ensuring clean water and food, and vaccination, said Dr. Jayadevan. “The hepatitis A vaccine is helpful for those without prior infection, as safe food and water aren’t always guaranteed, especially for people who travel frequently for work or education. Chlorination of water helps, but it is not effective in cases of contamination. Patients shed the virus in faeces, which can sometimes contaminate local waterbodies. The virus can persist in water for months, facilitating its spread to others,” he added.