Three more people die in Modasa, taking the toll to 59

It has been almost a fortnight since the hepatitis-B virus swept through Modasa, but experts are still clueless about the precise source of the deadly contagion, although they have examined 12,000 samples of blood and serum. More samples are being scrutinised. 

Three more hepatitis-B deaths were reported on Tuesday, taking the toll to 59; the government's figure is 48. Talking to DNA, the director general of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Dr Shiv Lal, said that hepatitis-B usually spreads through contaminated syringes or needles. “But we are yet to ascertain the exact reason for the spread of hepatitis-B in Modasa,” said Lal. He was on a visit to the general hospital in Modasa to assess the patients' condition. “A number of teams of experts are working to determine the reason for the spread of the disease. The efforts being made to control the spread of the disease is commendable,” he said.

The superintendent of the general hospital in Modasa, Dr DM Dave, said, “We have collected 12,000 samples of blood, serum, syringes, needles and other items from dispensaries. The state government has made special arrangement to take 1,000 samples to Pune by flight,” said Dr Dave. 

Experts are also conducting survey in Modasa to ascertain the source of hepatitis-B. “We have been asking families about their medical treatment over the past 180 days,” Dave said. “Once the survey is complete we intend to find out what led to the situation.”

Niyati Rana/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication