Prime Highlight
- Kerala has recorded its highest-ever number of Hepatitis A cases, with over 31,500 infections and 82 deaths, raising serious health concerns.
- Health experts link the outbreak to long-standing issues with water safety, sanitation, and hygiene, affecting not just children but also more teenagers and young adults.
Key Facts
- Hepatitis A spreads primarily through contaminated food and water, with symptoms appearing 2–6 weeks after infection, including fever, nausea, and jaundice.
- There is no specific cure; prevention through vaccination, clean water, proper cooking, and hand hygiene is the most effective defence.
Background
Kerala has reported its highest-ever number of Hepatitis A cases, causing serious health concerns across the state. As of December 30, 2025, Kerala recorded 31,536 confirmed and suspected cases and 82 deaths, according to The Hindu.
Health experts say the outbreak did not happen suddenly. It shows long-term problems with drinking water safety, sanitation, and public health monitoring. Several investigations have linked the spread of the virus to contaminated groundwater and poor hygiene conditions.
Doctors are also worried about a change in the age group getting infected. Earlier, most cases were seen in young children, who usually had mild illness. Now, more teenagers and young adults are falling sick. This group often develops stronger symptoms, which explains the rising number of hospital admissions and deaths.
Hepatitis A is a virus that attacks the liver. People catch it mostly by eating or drinking food and water contaminated with human waste. Poor sanitation and unsafe water help the virus spread quickly, especially during outbreaks.
Symptoms usually show up two to six weeks after you get the infection. At first, you may have a fever, feel very tired, or have stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. If urine turns dark, stool becomes pale, or eyes or skin turn yellow, your liver may be in trouble, and should get medical help right away.
There is no specific cure for Hepatitis A. Treatment mainly includes rest, drinking enough fluids, and avoiding alcohol. Health officials say prevention is the best defence. Vaccination, regular handwashing, drinking clean water, and eating properly cooked food can greatly reduce the risk of infection.
