Jaundice outbreak in Sylhet: Public health under threat

S A Shofiee, Sylhet :

The outbreak of hepatitis ‘A’ and ‘E’ viruses caused by hepatitis is increasing alarmingly in various parts of Sylhet metropolitan and surrounding areas. The increase in the incidence of jaundice is posing a serious threat to public health. According to the latest information, new patients suffering from jaundice are being treated every day in the city’s main hospitals and clinics. The number of patients suffering from jaundice has doubled in the last one month across Sylhet division. The health department said that the number of children and the elderly is high among the affected.
However, if the hepatitis B virus vaccine is given in the routine EPI one year ago, then the serious liver disease can be largely prevented.
Usually, these two viruses enter the human body through contaminated water and food. The virus spreads easily due to unclean environment, improperly cooked food and inadequate sanitation. Doctors said that this is damaging the liver function in the body.
Locals have reported that there is a shortage of safe water in at least 8 wards of Sylhet City Corporation. There is a shortage of pure water in some areas of the city including Amber Khana, Barabazar, Gowaitula, Khasdbir, Tilagarh, Pathantula, Kazirbazar, Bandarbazar. Locals complain that tap water is smelling bad in many places.
In this regard, Arif Hossain, a resident of Shahjalal in the city, said – the smell of water sometimes makes me vomit. Three people have been infected with jaundice in our house in a month.
Dolly Begum, a resident of Gowaitula area, said, “My entire family, including my 10-year-old son, was infected with jaundice. The water crisis in our area is very serious, as a result of which most people are infected with this disease.
If the City Corporation does not take appropriate steps in this regard, the situation may become worse in the future.”
Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani Medical College Principal Professor Dr. Md. Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury said – The number of patients infected with jaundice has been increasing recently.
However, this disease is usually spread through water or contaminated food from outside and there is nothing to fear or panic about. If these symptoms appear, such as loss of interest in food, yellowing of the eyes and skin, vomiting after eating food, some tests should be done. If the level of the disease is found to be high, then we provide treatment as needed.
He also said that the most effective treatment for this disease is rest. Along with this, the patient can recover quickly if some simple precautions are followed. Such as: drinking pure water, avoiding outside food and getting enough rest.
Dr. Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury urged the general public to be aware and not worry. He said that it is possible to easily get rid of jaundice by resting and maintaining cleanliness at home in the initial stage.
Dr. Mohammad Golam Rob Mahmud Shoaib, Professor of the Department of Medicine at Sylhet Women’s Medical College Hospital, said – Contaminated water and unhealthy eating habits are the main reasons for the spread of hepatitis ‘A’ and ‘E’ viruses, which are currently being identified as the main source of jaundice. These viruses are usually more active during the summer and rainy season, as the risk of water-borne diseases increases during this time.
He also said that if symptoms of jaundice appear, it is necessary to seek medical attention without delay. In addition, as preventive measures, it is very important to drink clean water, avoid open street food, and develop the habit of washing hands regularly with soap.”
Sylhet Health Department Director Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman said – Hepatitis ‘A’ and ‘E’ viruses are spread through contaminated water and food and jaundice occurs due to their infection. However, if we do not panic and follow proper hygiene rules, live in a clean environment and consume pure water and healthy food, then this disease can be easily prevented. Those who are infected must rest and drink enough water and fluids.
He also said, “If the hepatitis level is found to be higher than normal in the test, then you should immediately seek medical advice. (Also, if you have already taken the hepatitis vaccine, it is possible to largely avoid infection with this virus).