Hepatitis A outbreak affects hundreds in Pakistan’s Swat District
The valley district of Swat in northern Pakistan is experiencing a huge outbreak of hepatitis A, in which hundreds have been infected, according to a Express Tribune report Tuesday.
The wards are full at hospitals in the region and even dozens of policemen has been sickened by the viral infection.
The source of the problem is poor hygiene in the area–contaminated water more specifically.
According to the report:
“The garbage and sanitation lines fall into streams. The municipality also throws all the city garbage in the streams which has not only created air pollution but also water pollution,” Zahir Khan, a doctor in Mingora, told The Express Tribune. He further said that a majority of the people drink water from the streams where the water is contaminated as these people have no alternative sources for drinking water.
“Hundreds of patients suffering with Hepatitis-A have already been admitted in various hospitals. It seems that contaminated water has mixed into the potable water lines which has caused the epidemic,” Dr Abdul Wasay said.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, may occur a few days after symptoms appear. Anyone with these symptoms should contact a health care provider. The incubation period, or time between exposure and symptoms, is typically 28 days. It is possible for hepatitis A to be active but not show symptoms for up to 7 days. Symptoms usually last one to two weeks but can last longer. Young children with hepatitis A often have no symptoms.
Hepatitis A is spread person-to-person and through a fecal-oral transmission route, and typically occurs when a person eats food or drinks a beverage contaminated by someone with the virus. The virus is not spread by coughing, sneezing or by casual contact. Severe complications from hepatitis A are rare and occur more often in people who have liver disease or a weakened immune system.
Thorough hand washing after visits to the restroom, before touching food or drink and after changing a diaper are the best way to control the spread of hepatitis A.
For more information on Hepatitis A, see the CDC’s page “Hepatitis A Information for the Public”.
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[…] The valley district of Swat in northern Pakistan is experiencing a huge outbreak of hepatitis A, in which hundreds have been infected, according to a Express Tribune report Tuesday. Pakistan map CIA The wards are full at hospitals in the region and …Hepatitis A outbreak affects hundreds in Pakistan…The Global DispatchThe valley district of Swat in northern Pakistan is experiencing a huge outbreak of hepatitis A, in which hundreds have been infected, according to a Express Tribune report Tuesday. Pakistan map CIA The wards are full at hospitals in the region and … Go to Source […]