What is Hepatitis-A? Kerala on high alert as Health Department scrambles to contain outbreak

Hepatitis-A outbreak is being seen in Kerala, 51 cases have been found so far in Avoli and Muvattupuzha. Read the full story of Dynamite News

Thiruvananthapuram: After facing the brunt of Covid-19, Kerala has now come under the grip of another viral infection. Hepatitis A cases are increasing rapidly in the Avoli and Muvattupuzha areas of the Idukki district of the state.

A total of 51 infected have been confirmed till Monday, out of which 21 cases have been reported from the Avoli area only. In the preliminary investigation, it is suspected that the infection spread from the food served at a pre-wedding function.

However, the investigation is still going on, and the exact reasons have not been confirmed.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and is caused by a virus called HAV (Hepatitis A Virus). This disease spreads mainly through the consumption of contaminated food or water and occurs through the 'fecal-oral route,' i.e., when the virus enters the body through feces.

Usually this disease is not serious, but in some cases it can cause liver failure, especially if the patient is older or has any liver-related disease.

What are the symptoms?

• Symptoms of Hepatitis An infection usually appears 2 to 6 weeks after the virus enters the body. Its main symptoms are
• Fatigue and weakness—Feeling of extreme fatigue and lack of energy in the body.
• Jaundice—yellowing of the skin and eyes and dark color of urine.
• Fever and chills—Mild to moderate fever, sometimes with chills.
• Loss of appetite—lack of desire to eat.
• Nausea and vomiting—upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting.
• Abdominal pain—especially in the upper right side of the stomach.
• Joint pain—Feeling stiffness or mild pain in the body.
• These symptoms can persist from a few weeks to two months.

Causes of infection

The most common reasons behind the spread of Hepatitis A are:

• Consumption of contaminated water
• Undercooked or stale food
• Coming in contact with an infected person
• Unsafe sex
• Lack of cleanliness, such as not washing hands

How to prevent?

• Prevention of hepatitis A is possible, provided proper precautions are taken.
• Vaccination: Children and adults should get vaccinated against Hepatitis A. This is the most effective way to prevent infection.
• Consumption of clean water: Drink only boiled or filtered water.
• Clean food: Eat fresh and well-cooked food. Eat raw fruits and vegetables only after washing them.
• Personal hygiene: It is important to wash hands after using the toilet and before eating. Do not use the belongings of an infected person.

Health department alert

The state health department has started taking all necessary steps in view of the possible outbreak. Awareness campaigns, hygiene checks, and vaccination have been intensified in the affected areas.

Hepatitis A is a preventable virus, but cleanliness, vigilance, and timely vaccination are very important. The current situation in Kerala shows that improving public health habits has become even more important.