With the heavy monsoon rains, a situation of waterlogging has started in Delhi-NCR and Noida. In this season, the risk of respiratory infections as well as hepatitis has also increased significantly. This disease, which spreads through contaminated water and infected food, directly damages the liver. Health experts have advised local residents to take special precautions this season.

Health Alert: Risk of hepatitis is increasing due to dirty water during rainy season, know the preventive measures from the doctor of Max Hospital.

Sewage leaks and contaminated water became the biggest reason

During rainy season, incidents of leakage in underground sewage pipelines or overflowing of drains become common. According to the Senior Director (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy), hepatitis A and E viruses are found in the stool of the infected person. During monsoon, when this sewage water gets mixed into the drinking water supply line, it creates a serious problem. This virus, which is invisible to the naked eye, directly enters the human digestive system through unboiled or unfiltered water and causes inflammation in the liver.

Not only tap water, there is danger from these things too

Doctors say that the risk of infection is not limited to drinking straight tap water. Street food and other habits found on the roadside can also make you sick:

• By eating raw salad washed with dirty water.
• By drinking contaminated ice cold drinks or juices available in the market.
• By eating Pani Puri (Golgappa) available in sector markets or roadside, where there is no guarantee of purity of water.

Do not ignore the initial symptoms

When the hepatitis virus attacks the liver, the liver is unable to filter the blood properly. Due to this, many changes start appearing in the body.

Voices from the Ground / Official Statements

“Hepatitis A and E are spread directly through contaminated food and water. Its biggest and most common symptom is jaundice, in which the patient’s skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow and the color of urine becomes very dark. Apart from this, if problems like extreme fatigue, stomach pain, loss of appetite and vomiting occur, one should immediately contact the doctor.”
—Senior Director (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy), Max Hospital Noida

Impact on Residents / Ways to keep yourself safe

The administration and doctors have issued advisories for citizens living in various sectors and societies of Noida. To keep yourself and your family safe this season, strictly follow these things:

• Boil water and drink it: Always use boiled water or water purified with good quality RO/water purifier.
• Avoidance of eating outside: Completely stop eating cut fruits, raw food and ice drinks available on the roadside. Always eat fresh and hot home-made food, because high temperatures kill viruses.
• Cleaning of hands: Always wash hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds before eating anything and after using the washroom.