In recent months, Kerala has seen an outbreak of the Hepatitis A virus.
The virus resulted in many confirmed cases. In the first half of 2024,
the state registered 6000 instances. Kerala and other parts of the country have
also reported sporadic cases.
Contaminated water took its toll on the Kerala outbreak. The outbreak
sent alarm bells ringing across the state’s health functionary.
Far from Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A is less severe than its
counterparts. Hepatitis A virus can cause severe stress to the liver.
World Health Organisation says children are more susceptible to
Hepatitis A virus.
The contagious disease can cause severe health complications if left
untreated.
Causes
Hepatitis A virus results in liver inflammation.
Water contamination is a common phenomenon in India. Ruptured water
pipes lead to contaminated water. Climate change results in drought, excessive
rains, and floods. Portable water gets contaminated when it is mixed with the
sewage system. Many people residing in rural areas consume contaminated water.
The virus spreads through the fecal-oral route. An infected person may
spread the virus to a healthy individual.
Outside-sold food is also responsible for the spread of Hepatitis A.
Uncooked food, colored drinks, etc., are open invitations.
Symptoms
The incubation period of the virus ranges between 14 and 28 days. It can
even last for almost two months. Fatigue and body and stomach pain set in. Many
experience nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and passing dark urine.
Diagnosis and treatment
Blood tests are the best method to detect Hepatitis A.
HAV-specific immunoglobin G antibodies in the blood help confirm the
virus. RT PCR tests also help find traces of the Hepatitis A virus in the
blood. Consulting a gastroenterologist will aid in quick recovery.
Prevention
Clean drinking water holds the key to preventing Hepatitis A from
spreading.
Proper sewage disposal and hand hygiene are preventive measures.
Avoiding unsafe sex will also prevent the virus from spreading.
Vaccination
Many children under the age of five become infected with Hepatitis A.
They develop antibodies against the virus, and Hepatitis A vaccines can help
them avoid contracting the virus.
There are two types of vaccines: the inactivated or killed vaccine and
the live vaccine. The inactivated vaccine is given in a two-dose schedule, one
after six months. The live vaccine is administered after the age of 12 months.
Outlook
Hepatitis A, unlike B and C, may not be that severe, but we shouldn’t
ignore it. People have a craze for outside-contaminated food, which will lead
to more outbreaks of Hepatitis A. A heightened awareness is the need of the
hour.
Access to clean drinking water is another area that needs a focus. For many, having clean drinking water is a distant dream. This is where controlling Hepatitis A presents many challenges.
