By IANS,
Ahmedabad : Three more deaths from the Hepatitis B virus were reported in Sabarkantha district of north Gujarat Saturday, taking the toll to 35, a health official said.
Sabarkantha chief district health officer (CDHO) H.F. Patel said 11 fresh cases were also detected Saturday.
Of the 119 Hepatitis B cases detected so far, 22 patients have been discharged after treatment, Patel told IANS on telephone.
Asked if situation was under control, Patel said: “Nothing can be said at the moment. The virus has mutated. And since its incubation period is six months, one has to wait and see and take preventive measures.”
He said Health Minister Jaynarayan Vyas had visited Modasa town Saturday and ordered a mass immunisation drive, which will be launched in a couple of days.
Cases of registered medical practioners (RMPs) using syringes without sterilising them could be the most likely cause for the spread of the virus, the official said, adding that police complaints have been filed against eight doctors and three of them have been arrested so far.