Delhi Grapples with Hepatitis A and E Outbreak: Expert Advice on Prevention and Staying Safe

The monsoon may bring relief to the scorching sun, but it is also the season of infections. Delhi has seen a sharp rise in Hepatitis A and E in recent weeks, and doctors are warning about a 40% rise in cases of acute viral hepatitis in their OPDs. Consumption of contaminated water and sanitation problems add to the threat. These infections, although preventable, can cause serious health risks, especially in vulnerable populations. Being aware of the causes, symptoms, and prevention is crucial to keep infections such as Hepatitis A and E at bay. Take a look.

Viral hepatitis is a group of viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, the rarer type D, and E) that can cause both acute and chronic infection and inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through the fecal-oral route. This means you have to somehow ingest contaminated feces from an infected person to get the infection. Wondering how this could happen? If the infected person does not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom, the disease will spread. 2 to six weeks is the incubation period, during which the infected individual is contagious.

Drinking or eating contaminated water or food can also lead to infection. Eating shellfish harvested from contaminated water can also cause the infection.

Hepatitis E, also called enteric hepatitis, is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Though the infection is generally not fatal, it can be more serious in pregnant women. However, in rare cases, acute hepatitis E can lead to acute liver failure (fulminant hepatitis) and death.

Some people are at increased risk of hepatitis A and E. People who are exposed to the following conditions are at increased risk.

• poor sanitation

• lack of safe water

• living in a household with an infected person;

• being a sexual partner of someone with acute hepatitis A infection;

• use of recreational drugs;

• sex between men; and

• travelling to areas of high endemicity without being immunized.

Both hepatitis A and hepatitis E have similar symptoms.

• mild fever

• reduced appetite (anorexia)

• nausea and vomiting

• abdominal pain

• jaundice (yellow colour of the skin)

• dark urine and pale stools

• rash

• edema

Prevention is always better than a cure. Both hepatitis A and E are preventable. Ensuring the following steps can help.

• access to safe drinking water

• proper waste disposal of sewage

• personal hygiene practices (regular handwashing before meals and after going to the bathroom)

• safer sex practices (condoms, dental dams, and good hygiene practices)