R
oorkee: Gadharona, a village in Roorkee, has reportedly become a hotspot for Hepatitis C, locally referred to as Kala Pilia, for the last two months. So far, more than 100 cases of this disease have been reported in the village.
Considering the severity of the outbreak, the health department conducted a two-day medical camp in the village, collecting samples from 75 suspected patients, out of which 54 tested positive. However, the health department has assured that there is no need for panic, as the disease is treatable and the situation is under control.
Reports indicate that cases of Kala Pilia are increasing in areas around Roorkee. In the last three months, 450 patients suffering from Hepatitis C were registered at Roorkee Civil Hospital.
Gadharona, a village with a population of 4,000 near Landaura town, started witnessing cases where many people complained of mild fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Initially, they sought treatment from local quacks, but when they did not recover, they visited private hospitals and the Civil Hospital in Roorkee, where they were diagnosed with Hepatitis C.
“When we started noticing that every tenth household had similar cases, we informed the health department, which then set up medical camps in the village to check the patients,” said Village-head Satendra Giri.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the health department conducted medical camps in the village and collected 75 samples from people suspected of having Kala Pilia. Out of these, 54 tested positive.
“I was experiencing extreme fatigue and loss of appetite. When the health department tested me, I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. I was informed that I will need to take medication for three months. Currently, the Civil Hospital is providing me with a week’s supply of medicine,” said 40-year-old Pradeep Giri.
According to the records of the Roorkee Civil Hospital, 450 cases of Kala Pilia were registered between November and January from Roorkee and its surroundings.
“This disease primarily spreads through blood transmission, unprotected sex, and in some cases, it can be genetic. However, it is completely curable. During the treatment, it is essential to avoid alcohol and fried or oily foods, as these can worsen the condition. In the case of Gadharona village, the situation is fully under control, and patients are showing gradual symptoms of improvement,” CMO Dr RK Singh told TOI.
