3 pregnant mothers safe from Hepatitis E in Napak

By Cecilia Okoth

Three pregnant mothers who were diagnosed with Hepatitis E, in Napak district are free from the life threatening disease, the Government has said.

Rukia Nakamatte, the Ministry of Health spokesperson, said the women who have been under constant surveillance have returned home and are being monitored from there.

“The three pregnant mothers who were critically ill had been admitted at Matany hospital but have since been stable,” Nakamatte said, adding that they were not receiving more cases.

Hepatitis E was first reported in June last year, although the situation worsened around October, when it claimed at least 10 pregnant women.

Nakamatte said pregnant women are the most affected because of low immunity.

Hepatitis E is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis E virus, a non-enveloped virus transmitted mainly through contaminated drinking water.

The infection usually resolves between four (4) and six weeks, occasionally developing into acute liver failure, which can lead to death.

A total of 573 cases of Hepatitis E were registered in the sub-counties of Lokopo, Lorengechora, Lopeei, Iriiri and Matany.
Seventeen people have died of the disease, 11 of whom were expectant mothers.

Earlier on, State Minister for Health Sarah Opendi announced that her ministry released shs357m for various interventions geared towards stopping the spread of Hepatitis E epidemic in Napak district.

She said the funds would facilitate the district task force on Hepatitis E, and purchase of aqua safe tablets to enable the people drink safe water.

Nakamatte said the health surveillance team was on ground to monitor any new cases.