People asked to avoid eating out during rain

Experts say people risk catching hepatitis by eating contaminated food

ISLAMABAD:

Health experts have urged the public to take extra precautions and preventive measures to avoid Hepatitis A and E during monsoon as it occurs due to intake of contaminated food and water.

A senior physician Dr Nosheen Zehra stressed the need to create awareness about Hepatitis A and E.

Hepatitis A or E are the silent killer virus that can creep into the body from minor blood exposures, she said, adding that these can also cause water-borne diseases and thus transmit into human body through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through blood.

Every year during the monsoon, hospitals in the city witnessed a spike in the number of patients coming in with health issues like stomachache, flu or gastroenteritis and hepatitis, she said. Dr Zehra added that hepatitis A and E can also be spread due to improper hygienic situation, especially if uncooked food like fruits and vegetables are washed with contaminated water.

Hepatitis A is common among young people, she said, adding that symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever, jaundice, indigestion, yellow urine, weakness, vomiting, right sided abdominal pain, nausea and dizziness.

Dr Zehra said that washing dishes, fruits and vegetables properly, eating well cooked food, and using medicines as per doctor's instructions are the best tips to prevent hepatitis during the current season.

A senior consultant gastroenterologist Dr Huma Qureshi said that around 70 per cent of hepatitis cases are reported during monsoon.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2022.