Kerala, the state, is renowned for having the highest literacy rate in India. But the state is currently facing an outbreak of Hepatitis. The disease is primarily concentrated in the Avoly panchayat and surrounding areas. The outrage is mostly happening in the Muvattupuzha region of Ernakulam district. The first confirmed case was reported on May 30, 2025, and since then, 51 cases have been reported to date.
As per the information provided by officials from the District Medical Office, the outbreak has spread across Avoly, Manjalloor, and Arakuzha panchayats. With that, the district at least reported 21 confirmed cases in the Avoly district alone.
Background and Source of the Outbreak
As per the sources, the outbreak may have originated from the pre-wedding function held on the 3rd of May in the Nadukkara ward located in Avoly panchayat. There are approximately 150 attendees from Avoly and neighbouring panchayats, for example, Manjalloor and Arakuzha. There, the food and drinks offered at the event may cause the issue. Health officials suspect that contaminated food or water served during this function triggered the outbreak. Specifically, the use of ice cubes made from well water to dilute boiled water and food items, such as chutney prepared with cold water, is under scrutiny as a potential source of infection.
Understanding Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It primarily spreads through the faecal-oral route, often via ingestion of contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person or contaminated objects. The virus inflames the liver, impairing its function temporarily.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
The symptoms of Hepatitis A can vary in severity and typically appear 15 to 60 days after infection. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue and weakness
- Abdominal discomfort
- Dark-colored urine
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Joint pain
- Itchy skin
Preventive Measures for Individuals and Communities
Given below are the prevention and measures for individuals and communities from Hepatitis A :
- Make sure to avoid taking ice from untrusted sources, and drink boiled or filtered water.
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the restroom.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. And also make sure to avoid eating undercooked food.
- Maintaining good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in public spaces.
- Considering Hepatitis A vaccination, especially for those without prior immunity.
- Seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms appear and avoiding contact with others during the infectious period.
Why Is Kerala Seeing a Surge Now?
- Unsafe Drinking Water: Many areas rely on poorly chlorinated or untreated water sources. The water can become contaminated, especially during the summer and monsoon seasons, when flooding and water scarcity disrupt water quality.
- Low Adult Immunity: Improved hygiene and sanitation have reduced childhood exposure to Hepatitis A. This leads to lower natural immunity among adults, who are more susceptible to symptomatic infection.
- Poor Sanitation Infrastructure: Leaking sewage systems in the state, open drains, and illegal waste dumping contaminate water supplies, exacerbating the spread of the virus.
Public Health Response
- Super-chlorination of Wells and Water Bodies: The virus can be eliminated from the water if the water is exposed to increased chlorine levels.
- Closure of Catering Services: The catering services in the state by the companies have been shut down in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Inspections and Hygiene Checks: The ministry has been trying to monitor the regular monitoring of safe food consumption and symptoms to watch for.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The government is educating the public on hygiene practices, safe food consumption, and the symptoms to watch for.
- Vaccination Drives: Promoting Hepatitis A vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
At the end of the blog, the Kerala government is trying to put all its efforts in order to make its state Hepatitis A-free. The disease occurred due to a lack of focus on hygiene during wedding functions and meal preparation in the state. But the disease has calmed down now. The above blog has discussed all the symptoms and prevention tactics. The above blog is based on the information present on the internet.
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