Ctg administration steps up efforts against Hep-E
The Chittagong civil surgeon's office is stepping up its efforts to treat patients and find the cause of the recent Hepatitis-E virus outbreak in certain areas of the port city.
Azizur Rahman Siddiqi, civil surgeon of Chittagong, told The Daily Star at least 396 people have been affected by jaundice since May this year in Chittagong as of Thursday. Among them, three have died, he said, adding that the civil surgeon's office is working rigorously to contain the menace by supplying water purification tablets, spreading awareness, and treating jaundice-affected people.
“Some 17 among the 396 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the port city, and we are observing them in coordination with respective hospitals,” he added.
Aziz said a team from International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) has reached Chittagong from Dhaka to collect samples of jaundice victims. They will also provide service to the affected people, he added.
“We met Chittagong City Corporation mayor today (Thursday). He formed a three-member committee to find out if there is any bacteria in the water no matter whether it is [Chittagong] Wasa water or groundwater”, Aziz said. The committee has been directed to submit a report within three working days.
Meanwhile, Rahat Ahmed, a university student residing in Bepari Para of Halishohor, said locals are living in fear. “Everyone is in fear of being affected by jaundice,” he said. “The situation aggravated soon after Eid. People are getting affected every day.”
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