Express News Service
Mumbai, August 18: The dreaded Hepatitis virus claimed its first victims on Thursday. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, two people died of Hepatitis–the virus causes an inflammation in the liver that could lead to liver failure and death–on Thursday.
From July 29 to August 18 (until 8 am), 270 cases of Hepatitis were recorded, but no casualties until Thursday.
ëëPost-floods, the two main types of Hepatitis we have to look out for are A and E as they are water borne,” said Dr Rajesh Sainani, a gastroenterologist at L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai.
ëëBut both have a low mortality rate,” he said, ëëand death could be caused if the patient has a pre-existing liver problem like cirrhosis of the liver.”
Meanwhile, with 15 deaths reported in Mumbai and 5 in Thane on Thursday, the toll of people dying of flood-related ailments has risen to 284.
Doctors also pointed out that as death due to Hepatitis implies liver failure, it could be caused due to illnesses like malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis or dengue.
ëëIn many cases, these diseases affect the liver,” said Dr Rohit Burman, a gastroenterologist at Breach Candy Hospital. ëëWhen patients who already have a weak liver get infected with the Hepatitis virus, it could have far more serious consequences.”
The virus
Hepatitis A and E are water borne and are spread by eating contaminated food or water. The incubation period is three to six weeks
Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, jaundice, pain in liver area, dark urine
Prevention: Wash hands with soap after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food, drink boiled water, avoid raw food