DMO asks public to be cautious

KOCHI: The outbreak of various waterborne diseases like hepatitis A and E  is creating panic among the public in the city. Several cases of summer diseases were reported from the West Kochi region, including Mundamveli and   Pambakuda, which were hit hard by potable water crisis.  A majority of the hospitals in these areas are crowded with patients and the number of cases of waterborne diseases are on the rise.According to the District Medical Office authorities, the lack of awareness among the public is the major reason for the spreading up of diseases. “Cases of hepatitis A and E have been increasing in these areas due to the reluctance of the public to drink boiled water. These diseases mainly spread through contaminated water and food, while hepatitis B spreads through unsafe sex, infected mothers to their children and through blood transmission,” said Dr R Sudhakaran, District Medical Officer (DMO).He said that though cases of filariasis have not been reported in the city, the public needs to take precautionary measures as a few cases of filariasis have already been reported in neighbouring districts like Alappuzha and Cherthala. “Filariasis mainly spreads through mosquitoes. Though, there will not be any symptoms when the pathogen enters the body, the disease cannot be cured once the pathogens start attacking the system,” he added.The DMO said that people should be very careful during summer to avoid becoming sick and should follow the instructions given by the hospitals and health officials.