Hepatitis A Outbreak Hits Kerala: Rising Infections, Causes, Symptoms, and What You Should Know

Kerala

has reported a huge rise in the cases of hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection, in a series of outbreaks. Till the last week of December, the state, according to the authorities, reported a total of 31,536 confirmed and probable cases of Hepatitis A and 82 deaths, which is the highest to date. News reports say most of the cases are due to the widespread contamination of groundwater sources, along with gaps in sanitation and poor public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) says hepatitis A causes mild to severe illness in an estimated 1.4 million people every year, with a further 113 million people being infected but not developing symptoms. It also estimates that in 2016, 7134 persons died from the condition worldwide.

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects your liver. Caused by the hepatitis A virus, or HAV, the condition causes liver inflammation along with mild symptoms that last for up to two months. Doctors say that while it usually goes away without treatment, it is highly contagious and easy to spread to others when you are infected. Doctors say the virus lives in the blood and poop of people who have it. Transmission occurs when it passes from their body to yours. This can happen if:

• You are infected with the virus and do not wash your hands after using the bathroom.
• You have close contact with somebody who has the virus, as it can be transmitted through sex or kissing
• You live or work in a place with poor sewage disposal
• You share needles with someone who has the virus

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis A

A few signs and symptoms of hepatitis A include:

• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue and severe tiredness
• High fever
• Itchy skin
• Pain in the joints
• Light-coloured poop and dark-coloured pee
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain – especially in the upper right
• Yellow-coloured skin or eyes, which showcase jaundice

Doctors say not everyone with hepatitis A has symptoms, as mostly kids under 6 years of age may not show any signs of infection. Hepatitis A symptoms appear between two and six weeks after infection. This is the incubation period, during which the virus replicates itself in your body. When the virus has replicated itself enough to register as a threat, your immune system launches an attack against it.

How is hepatitis A treated?

While there is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, your doctor can recommend that you:

• Stay home for at least a week after symptoms begin.
• Avoid substances that stress your liver, like alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs
• Keep in touch with your doctor, as they will want to check on you periodically to ensure your condition is improving.