Srinagar, Feb 15: Ten teenagers have tested positive for Hepatitis A virus (HAV) following its outbreak in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, where nearly 1,000 people have been screened, health officials confirmed on Thursday.
The affected villages include Pahnoo, Trenz, Nadigam, and adjoining areas, with contaminated water supply being identified as the cause.
Dr. Mohammed Yusuf Naikoo, the Block Medical Officer of Shopian, stated that immediate screening measures were undertaken upon the emergence of Hepatitis A cases. Out of 1,000 individuals screened, 10 cases have tested positive, predominantly comprising children under 15 years old.
The affected individuals are undergoing treatment and are under regular medical supervision. The Health Department has mobilized teams to raise awareness about waterborne diseases and promote safe drinking practices.
Chlorine tablets have been dispatched to the area for water treatment, with distribution set to commence promptly. Additionally, experts from the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir have been deployed to conduct further investigations.
Dr Mir Mushtaq emphasised the importance of public awareness and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A, which primarily transmits through contaminated food and water.
The outbreak underscores the pressing need for improved water sanitation measures in rural Kashmir, with previous instances of waterborne disease outbreaks recorded in the region.
The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department is actively monitoring water quality and upgrading infrastructure to ensure access to safe drinking water in rural areas.
Past incidents of Hepatitis outbreaks in Kashmir serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining public health, particularly in rural communities. Measures such as regular testing, public education, and infrastructure improvements are crucial in preventing future outbreaks.
