Background: A study was carried out to investigate an outbreak of viral hepatitis reported by district health authorities from a self-administrative unit, Koppam of Palakkad district in Kerala in the month of November 2016. Methods: An epidemiological investigation was carried out to investigate the outbreak, describe epidemiological features and recommend measures for control. An epidemiological case sheet was prepared, case definition formulated and blood samples were collected to confirm the diagnosis of hepatitis. Environmental samples were collected from wells, soil and tested for hepatitis A virus. Results: 15 blood samples taken from cases of jaundice tested positive for hepatitis A, IgM antibody by ELISA test. More than three fourths 39 (79.6%) of the cases gave a history of having attended the same wedding function prior to the occurrence of symptoms. Attack rate (6.14%) was highest among 15-25 year age group. The water analysis from 3 of the wells in the area showed presence of coliform bacteria. Hepatitis A virus IIIA genotype was isolated from the soil sample of the house of the index case. Consumption of welcome drink was found to be associated significantly with cases than controls (OR 2.77; 95% CI: 1.02-7.52, p<0.05). Conclusions: The hepatitis A (type IIIA) outbreak in Koppam was associated with poor sanitation practices among the people. During a socio-cultural-demographic event like marriage this led to an explosive outbreak. Involving community organizations to generate awareness regarding food sanitation, supported by a system of registration of such events, certification of food handlers can help to prevent future outbreaks.

Background: Dengue is the most rapidly spreading viral disease in the world. Kerala had reported high incidence of dengue cases recently including deaths. Integrated vector management is the most effective method of vector control which requires community participation. As high incidence of dengue cases are reported in Palakkad district, it is imperative to assess the knowledge level and preventive practices followed by the community. This will help to formulate further action plans including awareness creation and behaviour change.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in two randomly selected wards of Palakkad municipality from July to August 2017. An adult from each household was interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The household and its surroundings were also observed to identify breeding sources and calculate relevant vector indices.Results: 95.9% of informants knew that dengue is transmitted through bite of infected mosquito. 67.8% felt that dengue mosquito bites during the daytime. 53.0% of the families observed dry day practices. 15.8% used mosquito repellent creams and only 25.9% used mosquito nets. The house index, container index and breteau index were found to be 24.60%, 23.55% and 33.43% respectively.Conclusions: The awareness regarding modes of transmission and biting time of Aedes mosquito is good but the usage of personal protective measures is quite low. Although majority of the respondents had knowledge about breeding places, there were significant numbers of breeding sources especially plastic containers. Vector indices were also high indicating risk of transmission of dengue.

Background: Adults in India are affected by dual burden of malnutrition such as over nutrition and under nutrition.  Literature suggests that only 52% of women and 57% of men are at a normal weight for their height. Objectives: To estimate the nutritional status of women in the reproductive age group in rural Kolar and to estimate various socio-demographic factors associated with the nutritional status of women.Methods: Community based Cross-sectional study was conducted in rural field practice areas of Medical College for 6 months.  180 women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years residing at Devarayasamudra village were included. Statistical methods: Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used as test of significance.Results: It was observed that out of 180 women, 49 (27.2%) of the women were overweight and 26 (14.4%) women were underweight. 36.67% women had a waist hip ratio of more than 0.85. Multivariate logistic regression showed that Age and educational status were independent risk factors for increased Waist Hip Ratio among women in reproductive age group.Conclusions: Higher prevalence of overweight and abdominal obesity was observed among women of reproductive age group in rural area.  Hence measures to improve the nutritional status of women in rural areas need to be addressed.

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