Hepatitis A: Cases of hepatitis A are continuously increasing. According to information received from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, a study has shown more than 50% positivity in hepatitis A serology. Data show that out of 145 samples received in October, more than 70 samples were found positive, which is close to 50% positivity in November. This rapid increase is particularly alarming, as hepatitis A is often associated with poor hygiene standards in food and water.
What do experts say?
According to Dr. Ushast Dheer, Chairman, Department of Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, we are seeing many cases of acute liver failure caused only by hepatitis A. Serious disturbances are being seen in the liver function tests of these patients. This is worrying because we are an endemic area for both hepatitis A and hepatitis E.
Causes and prevention of hepatitis A
According to Dr Dhir, the recent increase in hepatitis A cases could be due to increased consumption of contaminated food and water. Factors such as increase in outdoor eating, proliferation of street vendors without adequate safety checks and poor food and water hygiene standards are contributing to this trend. Parties, street food and an overall lack of regulatory oversight have compounded the problem. Dr. Dhir emphasized that hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination, proper food hygiene and safe water practices. He also expressed the need for government action to ensure safe drinking water and strict monitoring of street food vendors and restaurants.
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Giving information about a recent case, Ganga Ram Hospital informed that a 24-year-old man was brought to them for treatment. According to the information given, he suddenly became very ill and the patient had high-grade fever. As a normal person, the family found it difficult to understand that it was fever and infection and needed to be treated. He takes some normal medicines, but his condition started worsening. After which he developed severe jaundice and started becoming lethargic.
After which the patient was brought to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and was looked after by the medical gastroenterology team and on evaluation, the doctors came to know that the patient was affected with viral hepatitis A. After investigation into this case, Dr. Ushast Dhar, Chairman, Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, advised the family that there is a need to go for a liver transplant very soon or else due to high ammonia levels, Due to a failing liver, the patient may die or suffer irreversible brain damage.
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In the case of this patient, his father came forward as a donor and saved his life. In just 12 hours, both the donor and the recipient were prepared for surgery, ethical approval was obtained and an emergency living donor liver transplant was successfully performed, according to the doctor, who is seeing more cases these days.
Important steps to avoid hepatitis A
Dr. Dhir has emphasized on some important things to avoid infection. He said avoid eating out whenever possible – especially in unhygienic places. If eating out is unavoidable, choose establishments known to maintain good hygiene. Avoid drinking water from unknown or potentially high-risk sources – stick to boiled or bottled water from trusted brands. Consume hot, freshly prepared food – The virus often spreads through cold, contaminated foods, such as street snacks, golgappas, chaat and similar items.
Be careful when sharing drinks or taking beverages with ice in pubs, restaurants, clubs and parties as contaminated ice has been identified as a transmission source. Consider vaccination for hepatitis A—vaccination is especially important for pregnant women, diabetics, individuals with chronic diseases, and people who have had organ transplants. According to experts, by following these precautions, we can reduce the risk of getting this infection to a great extent.
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