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There has been a sharp rise in hepatitis A cases in Delhi in the last few weeks, reports PTI. Hepatitis A is inflammation (inflammation and swelling) of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus, which spreads through person-to-person contact or consumption of contaminated food or drinks. Doctors at AIIMS Delhi have cautioned people against consuming contaminated food and water, which are the main causes of hepatitis A. Dr Shalimar, professor at the gastroenterology department at AIIMS, said at a press conference that the hospital has seen a rise in hepatitis A cases, with most patients being children and individuals in the age group of 18-25 years.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the following are the symptoms of hepatitis A:
- Fever
- malaise (general feeling of being unwell)
- loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- nausea
- abdominal discomfort
- dark urine
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
Not every infected person shows all the symptoms. Adults tend to show more symptoms of the disease than children. The incubation period for hepatitis A is usually 14–28 days.
Who is at risk of getting infected?
According to the WHO, anyone who has not been vaccinated or who has previously been infected can get the hepatitis A virus. Risk factors include:
- poor sanitation
- Lack of safe water
- Living in a household with an infected person
- having a sexual partner of someone with acute hepatitis A infection
- Use of recreational drugs
- Traveling to high endemic areas without vaccination
Also read: 5 habits that can mess with your hormones (and the foods that fix them!)
How to Prevent Hepatitis A Infection
Hepatitis A and E, both spread primarily through drinking water contaminated with faeces, are self-limited infections and do not require specific antiviral drugs for treatment. They are treated symptomatically, said Dr Pramod Garg, head of the gastroenterology department at AIIMS. “Access to safe and clean drinking water, safe food handling practices and maintaining good hygiene can prevent the spread of hepatitis A and E to a large extent,” he said.
To limit your chances of contracting hepatitis A, here are some prevention tips, according to Healthline:
1. Always wash your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before eating, drinking, and after using the toilet.
2. Drink clean and safe water
Drink bottled water instead of local water in areas with a risk of hepatitis A.
3. Eat from clean places
Eat in clean and hygienic restaurants instead of buying food from street vendors with potential hygiene risks.
4. Avoid raw foods from unhygienic places
Avoid eating peeled or raw fruit and vegetables in areas with low sanitation or health standards.
Also read: Why should you avoid eating leafy vegetables raw, according to an Ayurvedic doctor?
Follow these preventive measures regarding food and water to protect yourself from hepatitis A. Stay safe and healthy!
