Monsoon brings with it most conducive environment for disease spreading germs to multiply. Along with common infections, fever, cold and cough that strike during monsoon, people are also exposed to the more serious infections like Hepatitis E during this season.

Hepatitis E is a potentially serious Liver disorder that is transmitted through consumption of feces contaminated water or food. As there is a high likelihood of water contamination during this season, especially in water in supply lines and storage tanks, an upsurge in the prevalence of Hepatitis E is observed. You also can get Hepatitis E if you eat undercooked meat from infected animals; raw shellfish is another culprit. The good news is that this infection can be tackle with appropriate medical intervention.

THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS E ARE:

1) Loss of appetite

2) Yellowing of the skin & eyes

3) Fever

4) Joint pain

5) Pain in the abdomen

6) Liver enlargement

7) Nausea & vomiting

8) Extreme tiredness

PREVENTION OF HEPATITIS E: First and foremost, it is imperative that one is aware of the risks of Hepatitis and therefore adopt preventive measures. The disease during this season is referred to as a ‘silent killer’, as many people ignore the symptoms, self-medicate or only take cognizance of the symptoms when the infection reaches an advanced stage.

Hepatitis is a food and water borne disease with fecal-oral route being the primary route of transmission. It is mainly transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food and is largely found in areas with poor hand hygiene and sanitation. Good sanitation, personal hygiene, and availability of clean drinking water, form the cornerstone of its prevention strategy

• Avoid eating unclean raw food and vegetables; care should be taken while preparing uncooked fruits or vegetables (example salads juices)
• Avoid buying food from street vendors, and care should be taken to not eat pre-cut fruits that may have been washed in contaminated water
• Juices and other drinks carry an equal risk due to possible usage of contaminated ice
• Good sanitary habits need to be encouraged and importance of ‘handwashing after defecation’ and ‘before preparing and consuming food’must be emphasized upon in the community
• Open defecation must be stopped so that water sources aren’t impacted; this will help in prevention of diseases that are transmitted by thefecal-oral route
• Drink only boiled or purified water

TREATMENT OF HEPATITIS E: When you start seeing symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Share detailed medical history and most importantly share details about your recent travels. A blood test or a stool test to diagnose Hepatitis E, might be prescribed. It is imperative that the doctor prescribed medicines be consumed as per dosage, food and water consumption must be monitored.

Hepatitis E can be dangerous for pregnant women or anyone with weak immune systems, including children, the elderly or people who are ill. It is advisable to practice good hygiene which is the fundamental to avoid contracting Hepatitis E & A.

(Disclaimer: Writer is Dr Amit Nabar, Consultant-Critical Care & HOD-Accident, and Emergency Medicine, SL Raheja Hospital. Views expressed are a personal opinion.)

Like

Dislike

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter , Instagram.