Locals blame contaminated water; CMO Shopian says water, blood samples taken, sent for testing
Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Feb 15: Few cases of Hepatitis-A have been reported in Ganowpora area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district following which the health department has started taking sampling in the village.
A health official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that few cases of Hepatitis-A have been reported in Ganowpora area, who were tested outside the district.
He said the health department has taken cognizance and has started sampling in the area.
Meanwhile, locals alleged that the main reason behind the cases of Hepatitis-A is contaminated water as they are getting water without any filtration.
They also said they don’t have proper health care facilities available in the area, thereby forcing them to visit Pulwama even to get tests done.
Locals said that despite bringing the issue of filtration into the notice of the authorities several times, nothing has been done so far.
They appealed to the higher ups to look into the matter so that locals won’t suffer anymore.
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Shopian Dr Arshid Tak told KNO that a few cases of Hepatitis-A have been reported in Ganowpora area.
“We have started sampling in the area—both water and blood samples have been taken and sent to the laboratory,” he said, adding that they have asked people to take precautions and have provided them medicine as well.
He also urged people not to panic as Hepatitis-A is usually a short-term infection and does not become chronic—(KNO)
