Hepatitis has become a growing public health concern in India , with prevalence more than HIV and mortality rate exceeding nine times that of tuberculosis . Viral hepatitis is a systemic illness , predominantly causing inflammation of the liver usually presenting with fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite and rarely, acute liver failure. India's Hepatitis Crisis: In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Prashant Kadam, Consultant - Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Liver Transplant at Fortis Hospital in Mulund, shared, “The recent rise in Hepatitis cases among children in India can be attributed to many factors, including inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices, contamination of food and water supplies, suboptimal vaccination coverage, and increased exposure to hepatitis viruses within community and healthcare settings.
” He revealed, “Outbreaks of Hepatitis A and E are commonly associated with contamination of water sources, especially during the monsoon season when sewage overflows and contaminates drinking water supplies. Inadequate vaccine coverage against Hepatitis A also leaves many children vulnerable to infection. Additionally, poor sanitation and hygiene practices, including inadequate hand washing, can contribute to the spread of these viruses within communities.
” Children at Risk: Bringing her expertise to the same, Dr Drisya, Consultant Physician at Meditrina Hospital in Palakkkad, explained, “The causative hepatitis virus is pri.