Kerala’s Hepatitis A outbreak hits record high with 82 deaths: Causes, symptoms and prevention

Hepatitis A differs from hepatitis B and C as it doesn't result in long-term liver problems (Image: Pexels)

• Kerala reports record 31,536 Hepatitis A cases and 82 deaths in 2025
• Outbreak linked to poor sanitation, contaminated groundwater, and dense areas
• More teens and adults affected, raising hospitalisation and death rates

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Kerala has recorded its highest-ever number of Hepatitis A cases, raising fresh concerns about water safety, sanitation, and disease surveillance in the state. According to reporting by The Hindu, the state had recorded 31,536 confirmed and probable cases and 82 deaths as of December 30, 2025.

Health experts point out that the surge is not an isolated incident. This is a result of years of strain on early warning systems, sanitary infrastructure, and public water systems. Since Hepatitis A frequently causes more serious illness in older people, the rising number of cases among teens and adults has raised concerns.

What is the reason behind the rise in cases?

Although there have been numerous hepatitis A outbreaks in Kerala in recent years, this one stands out due to its greater spread and intensity. According to studies cited in The Hindu, the infections are linked to unclean groundwater, inadequate sanitation, and unclean surroundings in densely populated areas. The Hindu cited investigations that have connected the infections to poor environmental hygiene, contaminated groundwater, and poor sanitation, especially in densely populated areas.

Also Read: Explained: Types of viral hepatitis, causes, symptoms, expert tips to protect your liver

Experts have observed a significant shift in the ages. In the past, young kids caught these infections more often, but their symptoms were not too bad. These days, we're seeing more teens and young adults come down with it, and they tend to get hit harder by the symptoms. This shift has contributed to increased hospitalisation rates and deaths.

How Hepatitis A affects the body

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that the virus spreads when people eat food or drink water that has faecal matter from a sick person in it. When a place doesn't have good toilets or clean drinking water, it's easy for the virus to spread.

Hepatitis A differs from hepatitis B and C as it doesn't result in long-term liver problems. Yet, it can be serious. In some cases, it might cause sudden liver failure, which can kill.

The World Health Organization thinks about 1.4 million people get Hepatitis A each year worldwide. In 2016, it led to 7,134 deaths across the globe. Many people with the virus don't show signs, which helps it spread without notice.

Symptoms that often go unnoticed

Symptoms typically appear two to six weeks after exposure, during the incubation period. Because the onset is gradual, early signs are frequently overlooked.

People often feel tired all the time, have a fever, sore joints, feel sick, throw up, and have stomach pain. Dark pee and light-coloured poop are key early signs and might show up before the skin turns yellow. When the skin or eyes look yellow, it means the liver is affected and needs a doctor's help right away.

When doctors catch it late, it's harder to treat and more likely to spread to others.

Prevention remains the strongest defence

Doctors can't treat Hepatitis A. They focus on giving patients rest, keeping them hydrated, and helping their livers work until they get better. This makes stopping the disease before it starts important.

Hepatitis A vaccines are effective and provide long-term protection. It is safe for all recommended age groups and is administered in two doses, typically spaced six months apart. Children, those with chronic liver disease, travellers to high-risk areas, men who have sex with men, and during active outbreaks should all get vaccinated.

Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the loo and before preparing meals can significantly reduce the spread of the illness. Risks are reduced by avoiding raw or unclean produce, eating cooked meals, and drinking clean water.

How to stay safe when disease spreads

Outbreaks often grow when people ignore basic safety rules. Easy steps can shield your liver. Drink water you've boiled or bought in bottles, skip food from dirty places, and peel fruit at home to stay healthy.

Also Read: Hepatitis prevention: 8 lifestyle habits to avoid and effective management strategies

If someone at home is sick, keep things clean, handle food with care, and don't share personal stuff. Safe sex matters too, since the bug can spread through mouth-to-butt contact.

On a larger scale, to stop future outbreaks - not just deal with current ones - we need to make water cleaner, fix sewer systems, and keep a closer eye on public health.

FAQs on Hepatitis A symptoms and prevention

What are the common symptoms of Hepatitis A?

Common symptoms of Hepatitis A include fatigue, fever, sore joints, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Dark urine and light-coloured stools are early indicators, often appearing before jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

How can Hepatitis A be prevented?

Hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination, practising good hygiene such as regular hand washing with soap and water, avoiding raw or unclean food, and ensuring access to clean drinking water. Vaccination is particularly recommended for children, people with chronic liver disease, travellers to high-risk areas, and during outbreaks.