Hepatitis A Outbreak in Kerala: 10 Crucial Things You Need to Know Now

Kerala is currently experiencing a major outbreak of Hepatitis A, which has raised concerns among citizens and healthcare workers alike. Districts such as Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Malappuram have reported a consistent increase in cases, instilling a growing sense of danger regarding public health safety.

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that spreads through contaminated food and water, particularly during the summer and monsoon seasons. People living in densely populated regions are more susceptible to Hepatitis A as it spreads quickly and unpredictably, often due to neglected sanitation.

This blog will provide you with a deeper understanding of Hepatitis A, including key information, symptoms, and prevention methods. By the end of this article, you will be well-equipped to protect yourself and your family from Hepatitis A.

What Exactly is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis is a viral disease that affects the liver, one of the body's major organs responsible for removing toxic elements, producing bile, and facilitating digestion. When the liver is inflamed, it fails to perform these functions efficiently, which can lead to various health complications. Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and differs from Hepatitis B and C, which are chronic and transmitted by other means.

Simply put, the pathogenesis of Hepatitis A begins when the virus enters the body through contaminated water or food, resulting in liver inflammation.

Is Hepatitis A a Waterborne Disease? How Does it Spread?

Yes, Hepatitis A is a waterborne disease. It enters the body through the faecal-oral route, which means that people become infected when they drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food.

This can usually occur when an infected individual prepares food without washing their hands or when fruits and vegetables are not thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. The food sources of hepatitis A are raw or undercooked food, particularly bought from unhygienic places.

Hep A can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact. Notably, Hepatitis A is not airborne, unlike the flu and the cold virus.

Key Symptoms:

The most common Hepatitis A symptoms include:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain
• Hepatitis A Jaundice
• Dark Urine
• Pale Stool

These symptoms may vary and can range from mild to severe in different cases. They usually appear only a few weeks after the infection occurs, known as the incubation period, which typically lasts between two and six weeks. Some people, including children, may not exhibit any symptoms, but they can still transmit the virus to others.

People who inhabit areas that have poor sanitation, have ingested contaminated food and water, or those who have come in close contact with someone who is infected, are all at risk for developing Hepatitis A.

If you have any symptoms, consult a doctor right away. An early diagnosis could help prevent the progression of the disease and possibly stop it from spreading. Being proactive during an outbreak to avoid a Hepatitis A infection will not just protect you, but also your community.

The Power of Vaccination

Vaccination is currently the most effective way of preventing Hepatitis A. In India, the history of vaccines shows that it is widely available and easily accessible. A major step forward occurred in January 2024, when Indian Immunologicals Ltd. launched ‘Havisure’, which is now widely available nationwide.

The vaccine for Hepatitis A is typically administered in two doses, given a few months apart, and provides long-term protection. It’s recommended for children, individuals travelling to high-risk areas, and those living in conditions where sanitation is inadequate.

Practising Good Hygiene and Food Safety

When it comes to shielding yourself from Hepatitis A, good hygiene and food safety are two of the most important things to practice. To ensure your hygiene is not compromised, start with the basics:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.

• Wash all fruits and vegetables, cook foods properly, and avoid raw or undercooked food from questionable sources.

During a Hepatitis A outbreak, like the one affecting parts of Kerala, it is recommended only to drink boiled or purified water. With heightened awareness of Hepatitis A food safety, you can help keep yourself and your family safe from the infection.

Can You Get Hepatitis A Twice? And Recovery

A positive thing about all of this is that you cannot get Hepatitis A twice. If you’ve already gotten it once, your body develops a lifelong immunity against the virus.

Although there is no specific treatment to cure the infection, most patients completely recover from hepatitis A anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Treatment focuses on supportive measures, such as plenty of rest, fluids, and a healthy diet, to help the liver.

Understanding the Public Health Response to Outbreaks

When a Hepatitis A outbreak occurs, the public health officials usually respond quickly. They determine the source of infection, conduct contact tracing, notify the public health advisory, and set up emergency vaccination clinics.

If you are living in an affected area or anywhere near the outbreak areas in Kerala at the moment, you should closely follow your local health authority's announcements.

Everyone needs to do their part. Early reporting of symptoms and preventative measures can help minimise the Hepatitis A outbreak and prevent it from spreading anywhere else.

Hepatitis A Prevalence in India

The prevalence of Hepatitis A in India varies across different parts of the country and is significantly influenced by sanitation and access to clean water. Urban areas tend to have a relatively lower rate, although the rural or congested regions are subject to subsequent outbreaks.

Places like Kerala are more prone to monsoon floods, which furthers the risk of sewer contamination, which is likely to cause outbreaks of Hepatitis A cases. This is why safety and prevention continue to play a huge role, particularly in such vulnerable locations.

Outbreaks cannot be predicted, but can be averted with a combination of public education, hygiene, and vaccination.

Your Role in Community Safety

Encourage cleanliness, ensure the availability of clean drinking water, and ensure that people are vaccinated where necessary. If each person does their part, particularly during an outbreak of Hepatitis A, we can keep the vulnerable safe and contain the spread. It is important to remember that public health is a shared responsibility, and even the smallest measures can yield significant results.

The current scenario of the Hepatitis A outbreak in Kerala is a wake-up call to us all. It serves as a stark reminder that we must act mindfully and promptly during the outbreak of an infectious disease. Why? Because a single case can rapidly escalate into an epidemic if not correctly addressed.

To protect yourself and your family from infectious diseases such as Hepatitis A, it is essential to take proactive steps, including practising good hygiene, vaccination, and being observant.

If you experience any symptoms or have been potentially exposed to the virus, contact your physician immediately. Early treatment can minimise or stop the spread of Hepatitis A entirely, and don’t forget to ask your physician about Hepatitis A vaccination for you and your family.

Share this information with your family and friends to help promote awareness among people.