Doctors say Ramesh Jhala acquired virus from needle used by tattoo artist

Eighteen-year-old Ramesh Jhala, a resident of Choila in Bayad taluka of Sabarkantha, did not know that getting a five-rupee tattoo on his hand would land him in a hospital. Jhala has been detected positive with hepatitis –B virus in Modasa. 

Four months back, Jhala had visited Pavagadh to seek blessing from Goddess Mahakali. During his visit, he was tempted to get a tattoo done by a cheap tattoo carver. Doctors now believe that Jhala might have acquired the virus from the needle the tattoo artist used to engrave a tattoo on his hand.

Unlike most of the victims of this epidemic who contracted it because the use of infected syringes, Jhala fell prey to the infected needle in the tattoo machine. 

He complained of acute stomach ache and went to the General Hospital in Modasa for treatment. The laboratory report said that he tested positive for hepatitis-B. 

“Contraction of hepatitis-B through tattoos is common in foreign countries, but this is the first case registered in Modasa in such a manner,” said Dr DM Dave. Out of the 140 cases in the hospital, his is the only case which has been caused by infected tattoo making machine.  

Jhala now lies in corner bed of General Hospital in Modasa. A relative of Jhala said, “It is very unfortunate, he acquired the deadly disease on his visit to a spiritual place. The epidemic is claiming lot of lives and we are praying for his health.”

“Although he has contracted the disease, his condition is stable. If he was not admitted on time, the situation would have been more serious. He is out of danger,” said Dr Dave.

Dr Govind Patel's clinic sealed

Dr Govind Patel, who is accused of spreading hepatitis-B at Modasa, is still untraceable. Health officials have sealed Dr Patel's clinic at Modasa. The notice posted on the clinic say, “Dr Patel used to attend patients for dermatological problems even when he is just an MBBS.”

Uktee Dhebar & Niyati Rana/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication