Shimla, May 23
The Health Department, Shimla has noted a gradual increase in cases of Viral Hepatitis among children at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Zonal Hospital (DDUZH), Shimla during May 2026.
Till date, 11 children with symptoms suggestive of Viral Hepatitis have required admission in the Pediatric Ward, out of which 7 have been confirmed positive for Hepatitis A.
Several children with mild symptoms have also been evaluated and treated on OPD basis.
Chief Medical Officer, Shimla, Dr. Yashpal Ranta informed that these cases have emerged gradually over more than one month, with about one case reported daily or on alternate days.
Presently, there is no evidence of clustering or outbreak from any particular locality. The affected children belong to different areas and the situation is under close monitoring.
As a precautionary public health measure, teams of health professionals have been deployed in affected areas for active surveillance, identification of additional cases, assessment of sanitation and drinking water conditions, and public awareness on preventive measures.
The department is also coordinating with concerned agencies to ensure safe drinking water supply and sanitation.
Dr. Ranta stated that Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E spread mainly through the fecal-oral route due to contaminated food or water and poor personal hygiene.
He appealed to the public to consume safe, preferably boiled, drinking water, maintain hand hygiene, avoid uncovered food and cut fruits from unhygienic sources, and ensure cleanliness in surroundings.
People have been advised to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, or dark-colored urine appear.
The Health Department, Shimla is continuously monitoring the situation and all necessary preventive and control measures are being undertaken in public interest.
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