There is a concerning surge in cases of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E infections during the monsoon. The causes can be attributed to contaminated food and drinking water. Factors such as heavy rainfall, waterlogging, overflowing drains, and poor sanitation create ideal conditions for these viruses to spread, and raise the chances of hepatitis A and E. Mumbai health experts urge everyone to be extra cautious about what they eat and drink and stay healthy during those rainy days.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E are viral infections that tend to take a toll on the liver. These viruses tend to spread through the faeco-oral route, so the person becomes infected after consuming food or water contaminated with infected stool. Also, eating unhygienic roadside food, drinking untreated water, having raw or undercooked food, or poor hand hygiene can put you at risk of these infections. Moreover, these infections are more commonly seen during the monsoon because rainwater often contaminates water supplies and food sources, and can invite health issues in many people.
Dr Meghraj Ingle, senior consultant, Gastroenterology at Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur says, “Every monsoon, there is a surge in cases of Hepatitis A and E because of contamination of food and water. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immunity can get infected with infections. In a week, 3-4 people aged 25-55 come with symptoms such as fever, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-coloured urine, pale stools, yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice), and fatigue, and are detected with hepatitis. If left untreated or ignored, these infections can lead to dehydration, prolonged liver inflammation, and severe illness in pregnant women infected with Hepatitis E. To manage these infections, make sure to rest enough, stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, avoid having outside food and water, say no to self-medication, and follow the doctor’s guidelines. Try to drink only boiled or purified water, eat freshly cooked food, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, avoid raw or uncovered food from unhygienic places, and wash your hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet. By maintaining good personal hygiene, you will be able to stay healthy during the monsoon.”
Dr Ameet Mandot, director – Hepatology at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel explains, “Monsoon not only causes a spike in cases of respiratory infections but also hepatitis A and E. There is around 20% surge in these infections during the rainy days. In a month, at least 2 patients out of 10 belonging to the age group 25-55 have reported symptoms such as fever, jaundice, and fatigue linked to hepatitis A and E, and are advised appropriate care. The treatment consists of fluid intake, rest, and eating a nutritious diet. Severe cases will require hospitalization for monitoring of liver function. It is the need of the hour to make sure to eat fresh home-cooked food, drink boiled water, follow good personal hygiene, and prevent these infections.”
Mumbai doctors observing rising Hepatitis A, E cases during this monsoon season
