Cases of Hepatitis A doubles with 57 cases, as compared to last year. Health officials are pointing finger to water and food contamination due to waterborne virus during monsoon season.
The city of Pune is seeing a sharp rise in Hepatitis A cases with the onset of the monsoon season.
According to data from the Puna Municipal Corporation (PMC), the number of viral Hepatitis cases this year is significantly higher when compared to the previous year.
Between March and June 2025, 57 cases of Hepatitis A were reported, which is more than double the 27 cases recorded during the corresponding months in 2024.
The cause of the viral Hepatitis is reportedly attributed to water and food contamination due to rainy days. Most patients in the city are reported to be eating outside, which is a potential source of the infection.
“The early onset of monsoon is bound to bring in more vector-borne and waterborne infections. The mosquito breeding cycle has changed; changed climate also often affects immunity,” Dr Nina Borade, Chief Health Officer of PMC, told a leading media outlet.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV).
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that Hepatitis A infection is caused mostly due to water and food contamination, inadequate sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and oral-anal sex.
The virus can be spread from person to person, especially when an uninfected or unvaccinated individual consumes food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected patient, according to the WHO.
Symptoms Of Hepatitis A
The symptoms of Hepatitis A vary from person to person. However, these are some of the common signs that show up in infected patients.
- Fever
- Malaise
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Dark-coloured urine
- Jaundice
Who Is At Risk?
Regardless of age, anyone who is not vaccinated or previously infected is at high risk of Hepatitis A. Here are some risk factors:
- Improper sanitation;
- Contaminated water;
- Living in a household with an infected person;
- Being a sexual partner of someone with hepatitis A infection;
- Usage of recreational drugs;
- Sex between men, and
- Being in a high-endemicity area without being immunized.
How To Stay Safe From Viral Hepatitis A During Monsoon?
Follow these six simple steps to protect yourself from the viral Hepatitis:
- Water contamination is common during the monsoon season. Hence, avoid drinking unknown source of water.
- Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through the faecal-oral route. Ensure to maintain proper personal hygiene to avoid any fatal circumstances.
- Avoid street foods and opt for freshly cooked meals.
- Get vaccinated to stay away from certain hepatitis risks.
- Avoid flood areas as they can carry the virus that causes monsoon ailments, including Hepatitis A.
- Ensure proper disposal of waste.
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