Hepatitis and Covid 19: Kerala Signals An Alarm As The State Faces The Brunt Of The Dual Virus Outbreak

Several areas in Kerala have reported an outbreak of hepatitis A. The state was already dealing with the highest number of COVID-19 cases in India, and the new health emergency has intensified the strain on the state.

Kerala was already dealing with the brunt of the maximum covid 19 cases, and now the state is witnessing a sharp and alarming rise in hepatitis A infections, especially in districts like Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Thrissur. This newly reported outcome has signalled latent concern for public health, specifically noting the onset of monsoon season in the state. The incubation period of the hepatitis A virus is quite long which is around two to six weeks, the health authorities of the state are expecting more cases to surge in the affected areas, which appears to be highly possible after the reports of instances coming in from places where contaminated water and food are being consumed.

The Avoly grama panchayat and Ernakulam district medical office have taken measures to combat the threat and intensified chlorination and several other measures, as the panchayat, near Muvattupuzha, has reported an alarming hepatitis A outbreak at the beginning of this month. It must be noted that as many as 51 cases have been reported in the district since May 30, with Avoly reporting 18 of the total cases.

The Panchayat President and the concerned authorities, following the sharp rise in several Hepatitis A cases in the area, have taken several measures like chlorinating the wells and other water bodies. While noting the source that is causing the spread, the panchayat president said that it is suspected to be the food that was served at a function held in Nadukkara. Marking the ordeal, the authorities have closed down the catering units, and several inspections are being carried out to prevent further spread. Besides this, there are other places too that have reported a surge in cases, as the nearby panchayats of Manjalloor and Arakuzha have signalled an alarming situation with reports of an outbreak of hepatitis A cases.

The alarming number of cases

The state of Kerala recorded 3,227 confirmed cases and 16 deaths by April 16, 2025, which marks an alarming increase from 7,943 cases and 81 deaths in 2024. What further intensifies the condition is that in May 2025 alone, more than 50 hepatitis cases were reported in the state.

What is driving the surge in Hepatitis cases around the state

There could be many reasons that are driving the surge in cases, but the main concern centres around the fact that it is a waterborne disease. So intense reliance on water that has been compromised by chlorination, or the water that has been left untreated. The problem could escalate, especially during vulnerable times summer and monsoon, as such times lead to faecal contamination of drinking water that spikes the rate of infection from the water.

The poor, damaged system that overflows during the intense rains ends up flooding the roads and the city, which almost doubles the risk of infection by creating mixing zones for sewage and drinking water, increasing the risk of infection.

The lack of water that is caused by shrinking water resources during summer, and the disruptions in water and electricity supply during monsoon, further put a strain on health, as to unavailability of water can make people drink water of compromised quality.

How to know if you have been infected or what the possible hepatitis symptoms are?

The symptoms could vary from person to person, but certain symptoms remain uniform and are general. The common symptoms may include

1. Fatigue or lethargy: A person may feel unusually tired or lethargic when infected.
2. Nausea and Vomiting: Many individuals are known to experience vomiting-like feelings or nausea or nausea.
3. Abdominal Pain: A lot of patients have reported discomfort and pain, specifically in the upper right side of the abdomen, typically in the liver.
4. Reduction in Appetite: Many patients feel a loss of their appetite, or they may easily feel full, and that can be a symptom.
5. Jaundice: In the most intense manifestation, a person may see a visible yellowing of the skin and discoloured white eyes that can indicate jaundice, which can be a clear symptom of liver inflammation caused by hepatitis.
6. Dark colored urine: A patient with hepatitis may see dark-colored urine, which can be brown due to increased bilirubin levels in the blood.
7. Light-Colored Stools: Dark urine isn't the only symptom, but a light-colored stool can also be a clear symptom, as light stool may appear, which can be pale or clay-colored.

The situation is still manageable, as told by the authorities, but the public has been advised to take precautions to prevent further spread. Any negligence can cause an intense outbreak that can further put a strain on the lives of the people.