Deer flies offer clue to spread of Hepatitis B in Kerala

Despite the availability of vaccination, the number of people getting affected by Hepatitis B in the state has risen over the years. Over 90% people affected by the infection ranges in the age group of over two decades. 
 

Ooramana and Mazhuvanoor, two villages in the suburbs of Ernakulam district are the worst hit. 
 

A recent study conducted by Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kolenchery, has found deer flies, a pest to the cattle, responsible for the unprecedented rise of infection.  
 

The epidemic was first reported from Ooramana near Kolenchery, in 2012. Studies conducted by government and private agencies failed to find the root cause of the viral infection that affects the functioning of the liver. 
 

The viral infection announced a come back in 2015 and the epidemic was reported in Mazhuvanoor. A total number of cases went up from 852 in 2011 to 1, 319 in 2014 and by 2015, 563 cases along with 13 deaths were reported from the state. Cases of infection were reported from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Wayanad, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram and Kozhikode. 
 

Health Department kept wondering what led to the outbreak as vaccination became part of immunisation programme from 2011 onwards. However, the recent study has found that yellow flies are the carriers of the virus in Kolenchery area.
 

The flies, belonging to Chrysops of Tabanidae family is likely to transmit the virus to persons who have not taken immunisation vaccine. The virus transfers through the bite of flies which is painful and itchy and at times leading to profuse bleeding.
 

Residents have also observed an increase in fly population in the area. 

• Hepatitis B in Kerala
• Deer fly
• Yellow fly
• Hepatitis B outbreak in Kerala
• epidemic disease in Kerala