Kerala is seeing its worst outbreak of the Hepatitis A virus in recent years, with the state reporting 1,977 confirmed cases and 12 deaths so far. Watch in for more details!

India: Hepatitis A outbreak in Kerala; 12 deaths so far

India: Kerala witnesses worst Hepatitis A outbreak

<p>Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis. In an interview, renowned Liver Specialist Dr. Sushrut Singh&nbsp;shed light on the common risk factors associated with hepatitis and the varying degrees of severity for different types of hepatitis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr. Singh also spoke about the importance of early diagnosis and measures individuals can take to safeguard themselves from contracting the disease.</p>

<h2><strong>Common risk factors and prevention&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dr. Singh cautioned that maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for a healthy life. Hepatitis can be caused by various viruses, with Hepatitis A and E being transmitted through contaminated food and water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To prevent these forms of hepatitis, Dr. Singh stressed the following precautions:</p>

<p><strong>Hygienic food and beverages:</strong> Consume food and beverages only from trusted, hygienic sources to reduce the risk of infection.</p>

<p><strong>Disinfect drinking water:</strong> Use appropriate methods to disinfect drinking water based on availability, ensuring it is safe for consumption.</p>

<p><strong>Properly wash raw foods: </strong>Wash raw foods thoroughly before consumption to eliminate any potential virus-contaminated particles.</p>

<p><strong>Hand hygiene:</strong> Regularly wash hands with soap and water before and after meals to minimise the chances of viral transmission.</p>

<h2><strong>Varying degrees of severity</strong></h2>

<p>Dr. Sushrut Singh highlighted that there are primarily four types of hepatitis viruses. "Hepatitis A and E cause acute illness while Hepatitis virus B and C cause Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hepatitis A and E: Dr. Singh noted that these viruses cause acute illnesses and are usually self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, body pain, fatigue, and jaundice. While severe liver infection or failure may require hospitalisation, most cases do not require admission, he adds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can cause chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Unlike Hepatitis A and E, they don't typically cause acute disease. Patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C include intravenous drug abuse, individuals with high-risk sexual behavior (unprotected sex with multiple partners), patients requiring dialysis or recurrent blood transfusions, infants born to infected mothers, and partners of infected patients.</p>

<p>Dr. Singh said that early diagnosis is essential in managing hepatitis effectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Simple blood tests can be conducted to detect the presence of the viruses, while liver function tests help assess the severity of liver damage. Advanced tests such as ultrasound and FIBROSCAN are necessary for evaluating chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Treatment options</strong></h2>

<p>For Hepatitis A and E, Dr. Singh advised that these infections typically resolve on their own with good nutrition, and patients should avoid seeking herbal supplements from unverified sources.</p>

<p>In contrast, Hepatitis B and C can cause significant liver damage if left untreated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The good news is that very effective and safe treatments, in the form of oral tablets, are now available for these forms of hepatitis. By adopting simple preventive measures and seeking timely medical care, individuals can safeguard their liver health and overall well-being.</p>

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Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis.

Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis. In an interview, renowned Liver Specialist Dr. Sushrut Singh shed light on the common risk factors associated with hepatitis and the varying degrees of severity for different types of hepatitis. Dr. Singh also spoke about the importance of early diagnosis and measures individuals can take to safeguard themselves from contracting the disease. Common risk factors and prevention Dr. Singh cautioned that maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for a healthy life. Hepatitis can be caused by various viruses, with Hepatitis A and E being transmitted through contaminated food and water. To prevent these forms of hepatitis, Dr. Singh stressed the following precautions: Hygienic food and beverages: Consume food and beverages only from trusted, hygienic sources to reduce the risk of infection. Disinfect drinking water: Use appropriate methods to disinfect drinking water based on availability, ensuring it is safe for consumption. Properly wash raw foods: Wash raw foods thoroughly before consumption to eliminate any potential virus-contaminated particles. Hand hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water before and after meals to minimise the chances of viral transmission. Varying degrees of severity Dr. Sushrut Singh highlighted that there are primarily four types of hepatitis viruses. "Hepatitis A and E cause acute illness while Hepatitis virus B and C cause Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis," he said. Hepatitis A and E: Dr. Singh noted that these viruses cause acute illnesses and are usually self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, body pain, fatigue, and jaundice. While severe liver infection or failure may require hospitalisation, most cases do not require admission, he adds. Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can cause chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Unlike Hepatitis A and E, they don't typically cause acute disease. Patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C include intravenous drug abuse, individuals with high-risk sexual behavior (unprotected sex with multiple partners), patients requiring dialysis or recurrent blood transfusions, infants born to infected mothers, and partners of infected patients. Dr. Singh said that early diagnosis is essential in managing hepatitis effectively. "Simple blood tests can be conducted to detect the presence of the viruses, while liver function tests help assess the severity of liver damage. Advanced tests such as ultrasound and FIBROSCAN are necessary for evaluating chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis," he said. Treatment options For Hepatitis A and E, Dr. Singh advised that these infections typically resolve on their own with good nutrition, and patients should avoid seeking herbal supplements from unverified sources. In contrast, Hepatitis B and C can cause significant liver damage if left untreated. The good news is that very effective and safe treatments, in the form of oral tablets, are now available for these forms of hepatitis. By adopting simple preventive measures and seeking timely medical care, individuals can safeguard their liver health and overall well-being. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

World Hepatitis Day 2023: Liver specialist shares risk factors, severity, and preventive measures

<p>Finding the serious liver condition was linked to co-infection of two common viruses, British researchers reported a breakthrough Monday in mysterious hepatitis cases affecting young children.</p>

<p>According to the study AAV2 (adeno-associated virus 2), which cannot replicate itself without another "helper" virus being present, played a significant role and was present in 96 percent of all patients examined.</p>

<p>Offering the best explanation for the severe liver disease, scientists concluded that co-infection with either AAV2 and an adenovirus, or sometimes the herpes virus HHV6.</p>

<p>Emma Thomson, an infectious disease professor at the University of Glasgow and the study's lead author said that "The presence of the AAV2 virus is associated with unexplained hepatitis in children".</p>

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<p>It is still unclear whether AAV2 was a biomarker for underlying adenovirus infection that is harder to detect but was the main pathogen or was causing the disease.</p>

<p>Finding that AAV2 was mostly present in those who got the illness, the study looked both at patients who acquired hepatitis and those that did not.</p>

<p>Honing in on differences in their Human Leukocyte Antigen that might explain why some are more susceptible than others, the study further tested genes of children who had become sick and those that did not.</p>

<p>Ruling out recent or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as a direct cause, scientists said no coronavirus was found in the livers of the patients.</p>

<p>Highlighting that lockdowns could have contributed to the spike of cases by lowering immunity in children, researchers said more work was needed to understand why some children develop severe diseases and require transplantation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Finding the serious liver condition was linked to co-infection of two common viruses, British researchers reported a breakthrough Monday in mysterious hepatitis cases affecting young children.

Finding the serious liver condition was linked to co-infection of two common viruses, British researchers reported a breakthrough Monday in mysterious hepatitis cases affecting young children. According to the study AAV2 (adeno-associated virus 2), which cannot replicate itself without another "helper" virus being present, played a significant role and was present in 96 percent of all patients examined. Offering the best explanation for the severe liver disease, scientists concluded that co-infection with either AAV2 and an adenovirus, or sometimes the herpes virus HHV6. Emma Thomson, an infectious disease professor at the University of Glasgow and the study's lead author said that "The presence of the AAV2 virus is associated with unexplained hepatitis in children". × It is still unclear whether AAV2 was a biomarker for underlying adenovirus infection that is harder to detect but was the main pathogen or was causing the disease. Finding that AAV2 was mostly present in those who got the illness, the study looked both at patients who acquired hepatitis and those that did not. Honing in on differences in their Human Leukocyte Antigen that might explain why some are more susceptible than others, the study further tested genes of children who had become sick and those that did not. Ruling out recent or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as a direct cause, scientists said no coronavirus was found in the livers of the patients. Highlighting that lockdowns could have contributed to the spike of cases by lowering immunity in children, researchers said more work was needed to understand why some children develop severe diseases and require transplantation. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Study links mysterious hepatitis to co-infection of two common viruses

<p>The US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a hepatitis A epidemic that may be related to two brands of organic strawberries sold at various merchants in the United States and Canada.</p>

<p>According to the FDA, strawberries purchased between March 5 and April 25 under the FreshKampo and HEB brands should not be consumed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/medical-experts-suggest-coronavirus-link-to-mystery-hepatitis-in-children-480039">Medical experts suggest coronavirus link to mystery hepatitis in children</a></strong></p>

<p>The tainted strawberries were sold at stores across the country, including Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe's, Walmart, Weis Market, and WinCo Foods.</p>

<p>Consumers in California, Minnesota, and Canada have all reported cases of hepatitis A after purchasing strawberries before becoming ill. According to the FDA, at least 17 illnesses and 12 hospitalizations have been reported thus far across the country.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hepatitis of unknown origin grips world, 8 cases suspected in Argentina</strong></p>

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<p>According to the FDA, hepatitis A is an infectious virus that can lead to liver damage. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale faeces are some of the symptoms. Infections usually clear up in one to two weeks, though they can become chronic in rare circumstances.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentina-detects-eight-cases-of-severe-hepatitis-of-unknown-origin-in-children-477309">Argentina detects eight cases of severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children</a></strong></p>

<p>Strawberries should be thrown away if you don't know what brand you bought or when or where you bought them, according to the FDA. Strawberries that have been frozen should also be discarded.</p>

<p>Anyone who develops hepatitis A symptoms after eating strawberries should seek medical attention immediately.</p>

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The US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a hepatitis A epidemic that may be related to two brands of organic strawberries sold at various merchants in the United States and Canada.

The US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a hepatitis A epidemic that may be related to two brands of organic strawberries sold at various merchants in the United States and Canada. According to the FDA, strawberries purchased between March 5 and April 25 under the FreshKampo and HEB brands should not be consumed. Also read | Medical experts suggest coronavirus link to mystery hepatitis in children The tainted strawberries were sold at stores across the country, including Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe's, Walmart, Weis Market, and WinCo Foods. Consumers in California, Minnesota, and Canada have all reported cases of hepatitis A after purchasing strawberries before becoming ill. According to the FDA, at least 17 illnesses and 12 hospitalizations have been reported thus far across the country. Watch | Hepatitis of unknown origin grips world, 8 cases suspected in Argentina According to the FDA, hepatitis A is an infectious virus that can lead to liver damage. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale faeces are some of the symptoms. Infections usually clear up in one to two weeks, though they can become chronic in rare circumstances. Also read | Argentina detects eight cases of severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children Strawberries should be thrown away if you don't know what brand you bought or when or where you bought them, according to the FDA. Strawberries that have been frozen should also be discarded. Anyone who develops hepatitis A symptoms after eating strawberries should seek medical attention immediately. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hepatitis A linked to strawberries? US FDA and CDC investigating cause

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