Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada Health Department has stepped up surveillance in parts of Mangaluru after 19 cases of jaundice caused by Hepatitis A and E were reported in the Dongarkeri, Alake and Kudroli areas over the past 15 days.

Officials have intensified inspections and urged residents to consume safe drinking water and maintain proper hygiene to prevent further spread of the infection.

Health department surveys over 800 households

District Health Officer (DHO) Dr H.R. Thimmaiah said health teams have surveyed 832 households within a 1.5-km radius of Dongarkeri as part of the ongoing surveillance drive.

Water samples were collected from 40 locations, of which one sample tested positive for contamination. Reports for 13 other samples are still awaited.

The department is closely monitoring the affected areas and taking preventive measures to contain the outbreak.

Officials advise caution

Dr Thimmaiah said Hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water and have an incubation period of 30 to 45 days.

He said common symptoms include high fever, body ache, yellowing of the eyes, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Residents have been advised to drink boiled or purified water, maintain proper sanitation, wash hands regularly and consume hygienically prepared food.

The DHO urged pregnant women to be especially cautious, noting that Hepatitis E can lead to serious complications during pregnancy.

“Consult a doctor immediately if symptoms develop and avoid self-medication,” he advised.

Dengue vigilance also intensified

With intermittent rainfall continuing across the district, the health department has also warned of an increased risk of dengue.

District Surveillance Officer Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal said teams are carrying out mosquito larvae destruction drives and urged residents to ensure that water does not stagnate in and around their homes.

Meanwhile, Dr Thimmaiah said Alka Chowrasiya (14) and Anushka Chowrasiya (11), who were injured in the compound wall collapse at Nagori on July 1, have recovered and are being discharged from hospital.

Another injured person, Balakrishna, remains under treatment after surgery and is reported to be in stable condition. Officials said ₹63,000 has been claimed through ESI for his treatment, while ₹20,000 has been released under the ABArK scheme.