Medical experts have sounded caution following the recent reporting of Hepatitis A cases at Palluruthy in the city.The authorities were on high alert in the district following the recent outbreak of the disease in Kothamangalam. They have called for following strict hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease.According to official sources, 18 cases of hepatitis A have been reported from Ward 57 in Palluruthy. Among these, 15 people are still infected with 10 remaining hospitalised, according to health officials.It has only been a month since the cases started getting reported in Palluruthy, but there is no sign of a let-up in the number of cases, said health officials. “It is not a deep spike in numbers. Rather, two to three cases continue to get reported sporadically. As cases continue to be reported, it points to water contamination,” said the official.The cases were reported from SL Lane and Sargavedi Lane in Division 57, Thazhappu, Palluruthy, where people are living in congested spaces. “We believe the number of cases could be higher as people could be seeking treatment at private hospitals. Samples taken from bottled as well as piped water have shown the presence of e-coli bacteria. More tests are awaited,” said the official.Division councillor Sujatha Sabu said the cases are attributed to drinking water contamination, and that steps are being taken to address it. “People depend on bottled as well as piped water here. A majority of water supply pipelines in the area are old, and there could be leaks through which contaminated water enters the water supply. The Kerala Water Authority has started replacing the pipes,” she said.Additionally, awareness programmes are also being organised.R. Anilkumar, health officer in the Kochi Corporation, said only cases in Palluruthy had been reported within the Corporation limits. He advised the public to follow basic hygiene, such as consuming only boiled water. Awareness programmes have also been launched, he said.Earlier, an outbreak of hepatitis A was reported in Kothamangalam. A total of 29 cases were reported from Division 25, Mulavoor Kavala, leading to the launch of widespread precautionary measures. According to a doctor at the Government Taluk Headquarters Hospital, Kothamangalam, the disease was caused by well contamination. “Those who consumed boiled water were not infected, while those who consumed well water without boiling it fell sick. Boiling water before consumption is crucial to prevent water-borne diseases. Using a water purifier is not enough as viruses do not get killed,” he said.The first case was reported on March 29 and the last on April 17. Awareness campaigns and cleanliness drives including chlorination are being carried out in the region.Dr. Reshmi Ramachandran, Associate Professor of Community Medicine at Government Medical College, Ernakulam, urged people to stay cautious while consuming food and drinks. She noted that hepatitis A cases tend to rise during summer, as people increasingly rely on outside beverages, where the water may not be properly boiled. “Always drink boiled water and be careful while consuming juices or other drinks from outside. The hepatitis A virus is heat-resistant. So, water must be brought to a rolling boil, even if it comes from a purifier. If the source is contaminated, a purifier alone may not remove the virus,” she said.Dr. Ramachandran also stressed that simply heating water is not enough and highlighted the importance of basic hygiene practices, such as proper handwashing to prevent fecal-oral transmission. Published - April 28, 2026 09:57 pm IST