This monsoon season, Hepatitis A cases have rapidly spiked in Pune, with double the number of cases last year.
According to the Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) health department, cases of viral hepatitis doubled, rising to 57 in March-June 2025.
Last year, during the same month, 26 cases were recorded.
Health officials worry not only about the rising number of infections but also the severity of cases.
The reason behind the rising cases is the heavy rainfall, leading to water contamination.
Several areas in Pune have reported waterlogging and pipe leakages that can result in sewage mixing with drinking water, causing a hepatitis outbreak.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. This is one of the various kinds of hepatitis viruses that cause liver inflammation and affect the liver’s ability to function.
It spreads mainly through the faecal-oral route, which means the virus enters the body when a person consumes something contaminated with trace amounts of infected faeces.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that inflames the liver. It spreads mainly through the faecal-oral route, meaning the virus enters the body when a person eats or drinks something contaminated with tiny traces of infected stool
In most cases, the patient recovers with no permanent liver damage.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
- The symptoms of the disease include:
- Nausea and vomiting (often with loss of appetite)
- Weakness and Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Mild to moderate fever
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale or clay-colored stool
- Joint pain
- Intense itching.
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Symptoms generally appear after two to six weeks of exposure.
What Causes Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A commonly develops when a virus infects the liver cells, leading to inflammation.
Some of the common modes of virus transmission include:
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating food prepared with unwashed or dirty hands
- Consuming raw or undercooked shellfish from sewage or polluted waters
- Being in close contact with a person who has the virus
- Sexual contact with an infected person
- Living in or travelling to areas with poor sanitation
- Using shared items like utensils or towels with an infected person
- Poor hand hygiene after using the toilet.
How to Prevent Yourself?
Hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination.
The vaccine is administered in two separate doses over a period of six months.
A combined vaccine that covers both hepatitis A and B is available and requires three shots over six months.
The prevention tips you can follow:
- Get vaccinated
- Drink clean and safe water
- Avoid raw or undercooked food
- Wash your hands with soap regularly
- Maintain good sanitation
- Avoid sharing personal items
- Be cautious while travelling
Health officials have asked people to follow the precautionary measures in the wake of the rising cases and people falling seriously ill.
They have also urged the public to stay active, get vaccinated, maintain hygiene and visit the doctor in case of any symptoms.
Also Read: ICMR Seeks Partners For Commercialisation Of Malaria Vaccine
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