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Time of India
29-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Monsoon Causes Spurt In Hepatitis Cases In Capital
New Delhi: With the onset of the rainy season, hospitals across Delhi-NCR are witnessing a sharp rise in cases of hepatitis A and E, prompting experts to sound the alarm on World Hepatitis Day on Monday. Doctors say the seasonal spike is linked to poor water quality, sanitation failures and unhygienic food practices, which put children, pregnant women and those with pre-existing liver disease at serious risk. Several city hospitals reported a 30-40 per cent increase in cases of acute viral hepatitis compared with the dry months. There was also a noticeable rise in outpatient visits for jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting and other classic symptoms associated with hepatitis A and E. "In the last three weeks, we saw a 40% surge in acute viral hepatitis in our OPD," said Dr Abhideep Chaudhary, president-elect, Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI), and vice-chairman, HPB and liver transplantation, BLK-Max Hospital. "Most patients are unaware of hepatitis vaccination. Unsafe water and lack of awareness remain key triggers. Hepatitis E can be fatal during pregnancy, while hepatitis A can cause acute liver failure requiring, in some cases, a transplant." Monsoon problems such as waterlogging, sewage contamination, and open drains further accelerate the spread of hepatitis A and E viruses, particularly in urban slums and informal settlements. According to LTSI estimates and hospital data, over 70% of cases in India during the monsoon involve hepatitis E. Meanwhile, hepatitis A remains highly prevalent among children under 15. "This is a seasonal epidemic that returns every year, yet preparedness is lacking," rued Dr Sanjiv Saigal, president, LTSI. "Infection is entirely preventable through clean water, hygienic food handling and vaccination for high-risk groups. As we mark World Hepatitis Day, the focus must shift from treatment to prevention." The World Health Organization estimates that hepatitis E causes nearly 20 million infections globally each year, with a significant proportion reported from India. In urban areas like Delhi, aging water infrastructure, unregulated street food vendors and rapid urbanisation fuel such outbreaks annually. Chaudhary added that misinformation around jaundice being "self-limiting" often led to delayed diagnosis and worsened outcomes. "Patients believe they'll recover without treatment. By then, complications will have set in," he warned. As part of World Hepatitis Day initiatives, NGOs and public health groups are stepping up awareness campaigns in flood-prone and high-risk zones - organising health camps, distributing leaflets and advocating improved sanitation in vulnerable areas. "Our advice is simple: eat only well-cooked food, drink safe water and regularly wash hands with soap," said Dr Monika Jain, director, liver diseases and GI sciences, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute. While hepatitis B and C often dominate public discourse due to their long-term effects, doctors stress that hepatitis A and E pose an equally urgent threat during the monsoon season. Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, dark urine and yellowing of the eyes are often ignored until the infection has progressed dangerously. On World Hepatitis Day, doctors said the fight must begin with clean water, public hygiene, food safety and early intervention. These illnesses needn't be deadly because they're preventable.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
With onset of monsoon, Delhi-NCR witnessing spike in hepatitis A, E cases: Experts
New Delhi: With the onset of monsoon, Delhi-NCR is witnessing a worrying rise in the number of hepatitis A and E cases, according to experts. On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day (July 28), doctors have warned that the waterborne nature of these viruses makes the season particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, especially children, pregnant women and those with pre-existing liver conditions. Hospitals across the National Capital Region (NCR) are reporting an increase in the number of admissions related to acute viral hepatitis. Both the hepatitis A and E viruses, which are transmitted through contaminated food and water, tend to see seasonal spikes during the monsoon due to poor sanitation, waterlogging and compromised hygiene standards. City hospitals have reported a sharp rise in OPD consultations for jaundice, abdominal pain and vomiting -- classic symptoms of hepatitis A and E -- said Dr Abhideep Chaudhary, president-elect of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI). Chaudhary, who is also the vice-chairman and head of the department of HPB and Liver Transplantation at the BLK-Max Hospital here, said, "In our OPD, we have seen around 40 per cent increase in acute viral hepatitis cases over the past three weeks alone. Many of these patients were unaware of the need for hepatitis vaccination, especially those moving from rural to urban settlements. Hepatitis A and E are largely preventable diseases, yet we see a surge every monsoon due to poor awareness and unsafe water consumption." Hepatitis E can be fatal in pregnant women and can lead to acute liver failure in those with underlying liver diseases. In some cases, acute Hepatitis A can lead to liver failure, requiring a transplant, Chaudhary said. According to estimates from the LTSI and hospital-based surveillance data, more than 70 per cent of waterborne hepatitis cases in India during monsoon are attributable to hepatitis E, while hepatitis A remains highly prevalent among children under 15. LTSI president Dr Sanjiv Saigal said, "Cases of hepatitis A and E have gone up by 30 to 40 per cent as compared to last month. We are witnessing a seasonal epidemic that repeats every year and yet we are caught off guard every time. These infections are entirely preventable with clean drinking water, proper food handling and vaccination in high-risk groups. As we mark World Hepatitis Day, our focus must shift from treatment to prevention." The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that hepatitis E causes up to 20 million (two crore) infections globally every year, with India contributing a significant proportion due to seasonal outbreaks. In urban settings like Delhi, the mix of rapid urbanisation, aging water infrastructure and irregular monitoring of food vendors creates a breeding ground for viral outbreaks. Chaudhary said the current spike is a reminder of the systemic vulnerability people face every monsoon. There is also a dangerous myth that jaundice from such infections is self-limiting and does not need medical attention, he added. "In reality, delayed diagnosis can lead to life-threatening liver complications. Despite being a public-health challenge, these infections remain under-reported and poorly understood. Public education, early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to preventing avoidable fatalities and long-term liver damage. Community awareness, robust sanitation policies and school-based immunisation drives are the need of the hour," Chaudhary said. Several NGOs and health-advocacy groups have ramped up public awareness campaigns ahead of World Hepatitis Day, distributing educational materials, organising health camps and pushing for better sanitation in slum clusters and flood-prone areas. Dr Monika Jain, director, Department of Liver diseases and GI sciences, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute and Action cancer hospital, said, "During monsoon, we are seeing around 30 per cent jump in cases related to hepatitis A infections. We recommend eating properly-cooked food and washing hands with soap." The health experts emphasised that while hepatitis B and C get more attention due to their chronic and long-term liver damage, hepatitis A and E pose an equally serious threat in the short term, especially during monsoon. The symptoms -- ranging from fatigue and nausea to jaundice and dark urine -- are often ignored until the infection has progressed significantly." This year's World Hepatitis Day is a powerful reminder to act urgently and decisively against all forms of hepatitis, they said, adding that in urban centres, the battle must begin with using clean water, safe food, public hygiene and awareness to fight against hepatitis A and E.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Monsoon Causes Spurt In Hepatitis Cases In Capital
New Delhi: With the onset of the rainy season, hospitals across Delhi-NCR are witnessing a sharp rise in cases of hepatitis A and E, prompting experts to sound the alarm on World Hepatitis Day on Monday. Doctors say the seasonal spike is linked to poor water quality, sanitation failures and unhygienic food practices, which put children, pregnant women and those with pre-existing liver disease at serious risk. Several city hospitals reported a 30–40% increase in cases of acute viral hepatitis compared with the dry months. There was also a noticeable rise in outpatient visits for jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting and other classic symptoms associated with hepatitis A and E. "In the last three weeks, we saw a 40% surge in acute viral hepatitis in our OPD," said Dr Abhideep Chaudhary, president-elect, Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI), and vice-chairman, HPB and liver transplantation, BLK-Max Hospital. "Most patients are unaware of hepatitis vaccination. Unsafe water and lack of awareness remain key triggers. Hepatitis E can be fatal during pregnancy, while hepatitis A can cause acute liver failure requiring, in some cases, a transplant." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Monsoon problems such as waterlogging, sewage contamination, and open drains further accelerate the spread of hepatitis A and E viruses, particularly in urban slums and informal settlements. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi According to LTSI estimates and hospital data, over 70% of cases in India during the monsoon involve hepatitis E. Meanwhile, hepatitis A remains highly prevalent among children under 15. "This is a seasonal epidemic that returns every year, yet preparedness is lacking," rued Dr Sanjiv Saigal, president, LTSI. "Infection is entirely preventable through clean water, hygienic food handling and vaccination for high-risk groups. As we mark World Hepatitis Day, the focus must shift from treatment to prevention." The World Health Organization estimates that hepatitis E causes nearly 20 million infections globally each year, with a significant proportion reported from India. In urban areas like Delhi, aging water infrastructure, unregulated street food vendors and rapid urbanisation fuel such outbreaks annually. Chaudhary added that misinformation around jaundice being "self-limiting" often led to delayed diagnosis and worsened outcomes. "Patients believe they'll recover without treatment. By then, complications will have set in," he warned. As part of World Hepatitis Day initiatives, NGOs and public health groups are stepping up awareness campaigns in flood-prone and high-risk zones — organising health camps, distributing leaflets and advocating improved sanitation in vulnerable areas. "Our advice is simple: eat only well-cooked food, drink safe water and regularly wash hands with soap," said Dr Monika Jain, director, liver diseases and GI sciences, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute. While hepatitis B and C often dominate public discourse due to their long-term effects, doctors stress that hepatitis A and E pose an equally urgent threat during the monsoon season. Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, dark urine and yellowing of the eyes are often ignored until the infection has progressed dangerously. On World Hepatitis Day, doctors said the fight must begin with clean water, public hygiene, food safety and early intervention. These illnesses needn't be deadly because they're preventable.
Hans India
28-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Monsoons driving preventable Hepatitis A and E cases in Delhi: Experts
New Delhi: With the monsoon in full swing, the Delhi-NCR region is witnessing a worrying rise in the number of preventable Hepatitis A and E cases, said experts on Monday, stressing the need for more awareness on vaccinations. Both Hepatitis A and E viruses, which are transmitted through contaminated food and water, tend to see seasonal spikes during the monsoon due to poor sanitation, waterlogging, and compromised hygiene standards. Children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing liver conditions are the most vulnerable to the infections. 'Some city hospitals are seeing up to a 40 per cent increase in acute hepatitis cases, while others reported a sharp rise in OPD consultations for jaundice, abdominal pain, and vomiting -- classic symptoms of Hepatitis A and E,' said Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary, President-Elect of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI). Chaudhary noted that many patients are unaware of the need for hepatitis vaccination. 'Hepatitis A and E are largely preventable diseases, yet we see a surge every monsoon due to poor awareness and unsafe water consumption. Hepatitis E can be fatal in pregnant women and can lead to acute liver failure in those with underlying liver disease. In some cases, acute Hepatitis A can lead to severe liver failure requiring a liver transplant," he added. According to estimates from the LTSI, more than 70 per cent of waterborne hepatitis cases in India during the monsoon are attributable to Hepatitis E, while Hepatitis A remains highly prevalent among children under 15. 'Cases of hepatitis A and E have gone up 30-40 per cent as compared to last month. We are witnessing a seasonal epidemic that repeats every year, and yet we are caught off guard every time. These infections are entirely preventable with clean drinking water, proper food handling, and vaccination in high-risk groups,' said Dr. Sanjiv Saigal, President, LTSI. Health experts emphasised that while Hepatitis B and C get more attention due to their chronic and long-term liver damage, Hepatitis A and E pose an equally serious threat in the short term, especially during monsoons. The symptoms -- ranging from fatigue and nausea to jaundice and dark urine -- are often ignored until the infection has progressed significantly. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Hepatitis E causes up to 20 million infections globally every year, with India contributing a significant proportion due to seasonal outbreaks. In urban settings like Delhi, the mix of rapid urbanisation, aging water infrastructure, and irregular monitoring of food vendors creates a breeding ground for viral outbreaks.
India Today
28-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Hepatitis in India: A preventable disease still claiming lives
After its first unwelcome debut in India in the 1950s, hepatitis has remained one of the most persistent illnesses, refusing to leave quietly. Back then, it spread mostly through contaminated water and poor sanitation, giving rise to periodic outbreaks of hepatitis A and later, while we've gained vaccines, better hygiene practices, and public health campaigns, hepatitis continues to claim thousands of lives annually in India. The villains may have evolved but the problem remains fundamentally the same: silent spread, poor awareness, and late FIVE FACES OF HEPATITIS Before diving into India's unique challenges, it's important to understand that hepatitis is not one disease, but a family of five viruses - A, B, C, D, and E. Each one affects the liver but in different ways:Hepatitis A and E: Spread through contaminated food and water, these forms usually cause acute infections, and are more common in areas with poor sanitation. Hepatitis E is particularly dangerous in pregnant B and C: Transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, these can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left D: Occurs only in people already infected with hepatitis B, adding another layer of hepatitis A and E are short-term illnesses that don't become chronic, hepatitis B and C are long-haul infections that can stealthily damage the liver over decades, often going undetected until it's too late.A LOW-PREVALENCE COUNTRY WITH A HIGH BURDENAccording to the 2023 HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus report, the national seroprevalence for hepatitis B is around 0.85% and for hepatitis C is 0.29%. That technically puts India in the 'low prevalence' category (less than 2%) as per World Health Organisation (WHO) these small percentages translate into millions of infected individuals, many of whom are completely unaware of their Dr. Kapil Sharma, Director of Gastroenterology at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, puts it, 'Many people do not know they are infected until they begin to experience complications like liver damage or cancer. That's far too late.'THE SPIKE THAT RETURNS EVERY MONSOONMonsoon in India is not just a season, it's a public health alarm. Hospitals report a surge in acute viral hepatitis cases, especially hepatitis A and E, linked to stagnant water, flooded drains, and contaminated year, Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary, President-Elect of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI) and Vice Chairman, HPB and Liver Transplantation at BLK-Max Hospital, Delhi, said that there's been a 40% rise in acute viral hepatitis cases in the past three weeks alone.'Many patients are unaware of the need for hepatitis vaccination, especially those moving from rural to urban settlements," said Dr. children are affected. Hepatitis A is highly prevalent among kids under 15, while hepatitis E is a leading cause of waterborne hepatitis, particularly deadly for pregnant REAL COST OF DELAYSymptoms of hepatitis often start subtly: fatigue, mild jaundice, loss of as Dr. Sanjiv Saigal, President of LTSI, warns, 'We are witnessing a seasonal epidemic that repeats every year, and yet we are caught off guard every time.' In some cases, acute hepatitis A or E can lead to liver failure, requiring urgent transplant.'There's a dangerous myth that jaundice is self-limiting,' adds Dr. Chaudhary. 'Delayed diagnosis can lead to life-threatening complications. Despite being a public health challenge, these infections remain underreported and poorly understood.'One of the biggest reasons hepatitis still thrives is the gaping void in early detection. Dr. Sharma explains that in India:Routine screening is rare, especially in rural and semi-urban surrounding liver disease discourages people from seeking timely infrastructure is stretched, with a lack of trained personnel to detect early costs, especially for hepatitis C, can be prohibitive for many though vaccines exist, coverage is patchy. Many people don't complete the full course or are unaware that they're at risk in the first MEDICAL PRACTICES FUEL THE FIREUnsafe injections, unsterilised dental equipment, and informal clinics using dubious methods are major transmission routes for hepatitis B and C.'A lot of infections occur due to unsafe blood transfusions and contaminated medical equipment in smaller healthcare setups,' Dr. Sharma says. While urban hospitals are more likely to follow safety protocols, rural clinics often operate with minimal hepatitis A and E, it's the basics - safe drinking water and hygiene - that remain elusive in many parts of the country. Kerala, for example, faces annual outbreaks of hepatitis to Dr. E. Sreekumar, Director of the Institute of Advanced Virology, floods and erratic rainfall have worsened clean water access in recent IN PUBLIC AWARENESS AND WHAT MUST CHANGEDespite recurring outbreaks, public understanding of hepatitis remains shockingly low.'Most people can't differentiate between types of hepatitis or recognise the symptoms,' says Dr. Sharma. This lack of awareness is especially pronounced in slum areas and among migrant workers, where clean water and healthcare access are already to experts, several steps can help stem the tide of hepatitis in India:advertisementIntegrate the Hepatitis B vaccine into all birth and school immunisation mass screening campaigns for high-risk groups, especially pregnant women, healthcare workers, and injection drug all blood banks and hospitals follow strict infection control hepatitis treatments, particularly for hepatitis C, to make them more community health workers, schools, and religious centres to drive public primary healthcare workers to recognise early signs of Monika Jain, Director of Liver Diseases at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, puts a spotlight on everyday hygiene: 'We tell everyone to eat properly cooked food, avoid street vendors during the rains, and wash hands thoroughly.'As Dr. Saigal notes, 'We must shift focus from treating hepatitis to preventing it. That's the only way we'll stop this disease from quietly wreaking havoc, one monsoon at a time.'Because hepatitis may be an old enemy, but it's one we already know how to defeat. Now, we just have to act like it.- EndsTrending Reel
