Andhra Pradesh - Nellore   

Hepatitis-B cases on the rise

Nellore: Many people in the city are suffering from hepatitis-B (jaundice) and are undergoing treatment in various hospitals. It is said that nearly 100 patients have been admitted in hospitals with symptoms of the disease.

Unconfirmed reports say that a youth died due to jaundice in the city on October 14. Admitting that cases of jaundice are being reported in some hospitals, officials are advising public to maintain hygienic conditions.

Doctors attribute it to drinking water pipelines passing through drainages, open drainage system, poor hygienic conditions in hotels and restaurants and mosquito menace. Health Department officials complain that there is no lab facility in the district to check water contamination and the food inspectors are not working under the control of the Municipal Corporation.

Residents of many areas are complaining that the drinking water being supplied by Nellore Municipal Corporation through taps was getting nauseating smell and in some localities drainage water was entering drinking water pipelines due to leakages.

An employee in water supply department on condition of anonymity, said the drinking water pipelines were laid three decades ago and many of them had developed cracks. In some areas, public taps were located near drainages which caused water contamination due to leakages.

Municipal Health Officer P.C.V. Subba Raju, said at least five cases were being reported every day.

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