Malappuram
A 41-year-old man died from viral hepatitis in Kerala’s Malappuram district on Friday, marking the sixth confirmed death from the disease in the area in three months. The District Medical Officer, R Renuka, said the man, from Chaliyar panchayat, died in a Kozhikode hospital after suffering from viral hepatitis.
The health department noted that since January, Malappuram has seen 3,184 suspected cases and 1,032 confirmed cases of viral hepatitis, with five suspected and five confirmed deaths. The highest number of cases came from Pothukal, Kuzhimanna, Omanur, Pookotoor, Morayur, Peruvallur panchayats, and Malappuram municipality.
The deceased man’s family had another hepatitis case his 9-year-old relative was diagnosed on March 19. Health workers visited the family to implement preventive measures. The man himself was diagnosed on April 22, admitted to Nilambur District Hospital on April 26, and later moved to private hospitals as his liver condition worsened. He contracted an infection during a liver transplant and died on Friday.
Viral hepatitis is a serious illness caused by different viruses. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and yellow urine. Severe cases can lead to liver damage and death. The health department urges residents to be vigilant and follow preventive measures.
