Hepatitis A: Cases of hepatitis A are continually increasing. According to information received from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, a study showed more than 50% positivity in hepatitis A serology. The data shows that out of 145 samples received in October, more than 70 samples were found positive, which represents almost 50% positivity in November. This rapid increase is particularly alarming because hepatitis A is often associated with poor food and water hygiene standards.
What do the experts say?
According to Dr Ushast Dheer, Chairman, Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, we are seeing many cases of acute liver failure caused only by Hepatitis A. Severe disturbances are being observed in the tests. of the liver function 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 increased outdoor dining, the proliferation of street vendors without adequate safety controls, and poor food and water hygiene standards contribute to this trend. Parties, street food and a general lack of regulatory oversight have made the problem worse. Dr Dhir stressed that hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination, good food hygiene and safe water practices. He also expressed the need for government action to ensure clean 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 provided, he suddenly became very ill and the patient had a high fever. As a normal person, the family found it difficult to understand that it was a fever and infection and needed to be treated. He takes normal medication, but his condition has started to worsen. Afterwards, he developed severe jaundice and began to become lethargic.
After which, the patient was brought to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and was taken care of by the gastroenterology medical team and after evaluation, the doctors came to know that the patient was suffering from viral hepatitis A. After investigating this case, Dr. Ushast Dhar, Chairman of the Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, informed the family that there is a need for a liver transplant very soon, otherwise due to high levels ammonia. a failing liver, the patient may die or suffer irreversible brain damage.
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In this patient’s case, his father came forward as a donor and saved his life. In just 12 hours, the donor and recipient were prepared for the operation, ethical approval was obtained and an emergency liver transplant from a living donor was successfully carried out, according to the doctor, who sees more cases these days.
Important Steps to Avoid Hepatitis A
Dr. Dhir highlighted some important points to avoid infection. He said to avoid eating out as much as possible – especially in unsanitary places. If eating out is unavoidable, choose establishments recognized for maintaining good hygiene. Avoid drinking water from unknown or potentially high-risk sources – stick to boiled or bottled water from trusted brands. Consume freshly prepared hot foods – The virus is often spread through cold, contaminated foods, such as street snacks, golgappas, chaat and similar items.
Be careful when sharing drinks or having drinks with ice in pubs, restaurants, clubs and parties, as contaminated ice has been identified as a source of transmission. Consider hepatitis A vaccination: Vaccination is especially important for pregnant women, diabetics, people with chronic illnesses, and people who have undergone organ transplants. According to experts, by following these precautions we can significantly reduce the risk of contracting this infection.
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