Background: The sudden increase in the number of Hepatitis B-positive cases between December 2018 and June 2019, in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala in South India, aroused fear both among the government and the people. Some earlier studies postulated that deer flies act as vectors for the transmission of Hepatitis B. Deer flies were found to be in plenty in the concerned area and their bite was also considered part and parcel of everyday life. Hence, it was considered necessary to prove whether deer flies played a role in the transmission of Hepatitis B. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of deer fly in the transmission of Hepatitis B. Materials and Methods: A case–control study design was adopted to test the hypothesis concerning the possible role of deerfly in disease transmission. Cases were those who were picked up by the routine surveillance system (Integrated Disease Surveillance Project) and found to be positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Controls were age- (±5 years) and gender-matched neighborhood individuals negative for HBsAg. Data was collected with the help of a pretested interview schedule. Results: There was no significant association between bite of deer flies and acquisition of Hepatitis B. Conclusion: This study concluded proving the deer fly hypothesis to be false.

Background: Cancer is emerging as a major public health concern in many countries including India. Kerala state has the highest burden of cancer in the country. Objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diagnosed cancers, warning signs and selected risk factors of cancer in Kadapra Panchayath of Pathanamthitta district, Kerala.Methods: A total of 16,391 population was covered by door to door survey using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information on the sociodemographic variables of the residents, source of water supply, warning signs of cancer and details of diagnosed cancer cases.Results: The mean age of the population was 40.9+21 years. The prevalence of diagnosed cases of cancer in our study population was 776/100,000 population. Breast cancer was the most common cancer (43.5%) identified in the population. The prevalence of any warning sign among the study population was 220/100,000 population. Breast lump was the common warning sign identified. Increasing age and female gender were the factors found to be significantly associated with cancer.Conclusions: As prevalence of cancer was found to be high in this population, an active community based screening along with teaching self-breast examination to the women in the community are required. Improving community awareness could help in early diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Soil and water testing for carcinogens is recommended.

Introduction: Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The established routes of transmission are from mother to infant, sexual contact, and exposure to blood or body fluids. Though HBV is preventable by vaccine and robust infection control practices, outbreaks of HBV infection do occur in India. However, the state of Kerala with its health parameters, one among the best in the country, cannot afford to have continuing outbreaks. An unusual increase in the reported cases of Hepatitis B in a rural area of Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, called for an outbreak investigation. Aims: To describe the epidemiological features, to determine the risk factors associated with HBV transmission, and to suggest measures to prevent future transmission. Methods: A community-based case-control study (1:2) was undertaken. A total of 162 participants (54 cases and 108 age, gender, and neighborhood matched controls) took part in the study. Focus group discussions were conducted with subject experts to develop an interview schedule assessing 40 risk factors. It was further reviewed by the University of Sydney. Data was collected by trained Junior Health Inspectors and Junior Public Health Nurses of the Primary Health Centers. Data was analyzed using SPSS v. 20. Proportions were compared by Univariate analysis, sub-group analysis, and logistic regression. Population Attributable Risk (PAR) was also calculated. Results and Conclusion: More than 90% of the infections were IgM anti-HBc positive, suggesting a recent infection. Interventions during hospitalization [OR: 7.98 (95% CI – 2.17--29.4)], family history of Hepatitis B [OR. 4.14 (95%CI – 1.73--9.9)], and laboratory investigations [OR: 3.99 (1.72--9.31)] were found to be significant risk factors. PAR was highest for laboratory interventions (32%). Vaccinating household contacts and strict enforcement of infection control practices could substantially reduce the burden of this fatal disease.

Background: The ongoing pandemic of Covid-19 is a public health emergency with serious implications world-wide including India. Vulnerable population like migrants are often left out of epidemic preparedness planning and reaching out these marginalized population is a challenge. Objective: To describe different strategies implemented for control and prevention of Covid-19 among migrants in Pathanamthitta. Results: Strategies for Covid-19 control among migrant labourers were planned and implemented with intersectoral coordination and community participation. Line listing and risk stratification, mobilisation of community volunteers, contactless active symptomatic surveillance using technology, IEC activities for awareness generation in multiple languages, sample collection, testing and distribution of personal protective equipment's were initially implemented. Setting up of a call centre facility assisted with M health technology exclusively for addressing concerns of migrants was first and one of its kind in the country. In addition to that special measures were taken to improve adherence and wellbeing of migrants which included addressing medical needs of migrants including psychological needs, ensuring food security, migrant hostels for the providing shelter, basic health care, isolation facilities and arranging transportation facilities for more than 10,000 stranded migrants. The success of these strategies was evident from the fact that not even a single migrant labourer was tested positive in the district during this period Conclusion: Pathanamthitta district being in a resource constraint setting showed a very effective model by implementing technology assisted strategies tailored to the needs of population.The success of these highly effective and replicable strategy underlines the need to incorporate principles of primary health care in crisis management.

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