Jaundice Deaths Haunt Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Many people in the city have been infected with jaundice because of sewage contamination in drinking water.

The recent reports of Jaundice deaths in Shimla turn to be worrisome for health officials in Himachal Pradesh.

Until now, three deaths have been reported and all of them were women who delivered babies recently. The latest death was of a 25-year-old mother, who delivered a baby in Kamla Nehru Hospital on February 13 and was diagnosed with jaundice on February 15.

Jaundice: Causes Symptoms Treatment
Jaundice is yellowing of skin, conjunctival membranes of eyes and other mucous membranes due to elevation of bilirubin levels in blood. Jaundice can be a sign of an underlying major disease.

‘Jaundice targets expectant mothers and till now three new mothers have succumbed to the disease in Simla.’

She was referred to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) but, unfortunately, succumbed to the disease.

"She was a resident of Sanjauli area of Shimla and brought to IGMCH. She was in much pain as she had undergone Cesarean operation for delivery and got Hepatitis A and E soon after," said Ramesh Chand, IGMCH senior medical superintendent.

Himachal Pradesh jaundice surveillance officer Dr. Rakesh Bhardwaj said, "Two of the three women had delivered their child in Kamla Nehru Hospital and one in PGIMER, Chandigarh. When they were diagnosed with Hepatitis E, they were admitted in IGMCH and died during treatment."

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As of now, 1,513 jaundice cases have been reported in Shimla from December with 13 new jaundice cases. The civic authorities are suspecting that contamination of drinking water with sewage could be the reason behind the disease spread.

Source-Medindia

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