Hepatitis A

Why in news?

In recent years, multiple outbreaks of Hepatitis A in India have caused acute liver failure, making a strong case for its inclusion in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).

World Hepatitis Day - July 28

• Hepatitis A – It is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.

• Unlike hepatitis B and C, it does not cause chronic liver disease or permanent liver damage, and most people recover completely.
• Transmission & Causes –
  • The virus is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, meaning a person ingests food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person.
  • The disease is closely associated with unsafe water or food, inadequate sanitation, poor personal hygiene and oral-anal sex.
• Symptoms –
  • Usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure and are often mild, especially in young children.
  • They can last for several months in adults and may include fatigue, nausea & vomiting, abdominal pain (upper right side), fever, loss of appetite, jaundice, itching, etc.
• Risk factors – Poor sanitation, unsafe water, and inadequate hygiene practices.
• Treatment – There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A, instead it typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms and keep the patient comfortable.
• Prevention – Improved sanitation, food safety, safer sex practices (notably for oral-anal sex) and immunization are the most effective ways to combat hepatitis A.
  • India has its own indigenous vaccine - Biovac-A, a live-attenuated vaccine for Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B vaccine is already part of UIP).

• WHO’s Global Hepatitis Report, 2024
  • Viral hepatitis causes over 1 million deaths annually, mostly from Hepatitis B and C and Hepatitis is now the  2^nd leading infectious killer after tuberculosis.
  • India carries a high burden of Hepatitis A, B, and E, with Hepatitis A increasingly causing acute liver failure.
  • 2030 Targets – WHO aims to reduce new infections by 90% and deaths by 65%.

References

1. The Hindu | Hepatitis A deserves a place in India’s UIP
2. WHO | Hepatitis A
3. CDC | Hepatitis A