Outbreak Of Jaundice In Rural School Children: An Epidemiological Investigation

Authors

  • RV Mohite Dept. of Community Medicine, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad
  • SM Kumbhar Dept. of Community Medicine, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad
  • MB Tondare Dept. of Community Medicine, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad
  • P Ganganhali Dept. of Community Medicine, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad
  • LR Salunkhe Dept. of Community Medicine, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i3.7743

Keywords:

Hepatitis A, outbreaks, incidence, sanitation

Abstract

Background: Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem in India and epidemiology of viral hepatitis is going to changing as outbreaks of hepatitis A are being reported with increased frequency, in the pediatric age group as well.

Objective: To study the time, place, and person distribution of hepatitis A infection in rural school population & to find the source of infection in the study area.

Methodology: Community based survey was conducted among the school population of village Kalawade district Satara of state Maharashtra during July-August 2011 by interview and clinical examination utilizing pre-designed semi-structured proforma. Data collected by investigation team was compiled and presented into frequency, percentage & chi-square test was applied to know the statistical association.

Results: Out of 400 school children, 32 suffered from Hepatitis A viral infection with overall attack rate 8% involving 25 males & 7 females showed statistical significant association (p < 0.05). Index case was detected on 20th July 2011 while maximum no. of cases i.e. 11 cases were detected during 3rd week of outbreak with a median incubation period 21 days. Majority of patients, 96.8% & 81.2% were presented with dark yellow colored urine and yellowish discoloration of sclera. Out of 32 patients, 68.5% cases were from private high school with water supply from bore well while 31.5% cases from anganwadies & primary school with a water supply from gram panchayat well. However, water supply source to private high school was found contaminated.

Conclusion: An outbreak of Hepatitis A reported in school children mainly due to consumption of contaminated bore well water.

Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-3 No-3 (2012), Page -20-26

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i3.7743

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Published

2013-03-12

How to Cite

Mohite, R., Kumbhar, S., Tondare, M., Ganganhali, P., & Salunkhe, L. (2013). Outbreak Of Jaundice In Rural School Children: An Epidemiological Investigation. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 3(3), 20–26. https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i3.7743

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Section

Original Articles