Shimla jaundice outbreak
Shimla Jaundice Outbreak
The Shimla Jaundice Outbreak (/ʃɪmlə/; from Hindi: शिमला, pronounced [ˈʃɪmlaː]) was a significant medical event that occurred in the city of Shimla, India in 2016.
Etymology
The term "Shimla Jaundice Outbreak" is derived from the location of the event, Shimla, and the disease that was prevalent, jaundice. Jaundice, also known as icterus, from the Greek word ίκτερος, is a yellowish or greenish pigmentation of the skin and whites of the eyes due to high bilirubin levels.
Overview
The outbreak was caused by the contamination of the city's water supply with the Hepatitis E virus. Hepatitis E is a viral hepatitis caused by infection with a virus called hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is one of five known human hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E.
Over 10,000 people were affected by the outbreak, making it one of the largest jaundice outbreaks in Indian history. The outbreak was eventually brought under control through a combination of public health measures, including the provision of clean water and the promotion of good hygiene practices.
Related Terms
- Hepatitis: A medical condition defined by the inflammation of the liver. In the case of the Shimla Jaundice Outbreak, the specific type of hepatitis involved was Hepatitis E.
- Bilirubin: A yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that leads to the breakdown of heme in vertebrates. High levels of bilirubin in the body can lead to jaundice.
- Icterus: Another term for jaundice, derived from the Greek word ίκτερος.
- Public Health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Shimla jaundice outbreak
- Wikipedia's article - Shimla jaundice outbreak
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