Experts Warn of Seasonal Spike in Waterborne Infections; Children and Pregnant Women at Higher Risk
New Delhi:
As the monsoon intensifies across Delhi-NCR, hospitals are witnessing a sharp spike in hepatitis A and E cases, prompting serious concern among health professionals. Leading doctors have flagged a significant increase in OPD consultations for jaundice, abdominal pain, and vomiting — all classic signs of these waterborne infections.
Seasonal Risk Amplified by Unsafe Water and Poor Sanitation
Speaking on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day (July 28), doctors attributed the rise in cases to the consumption of contaminated food and water, worsened by poor sanitation, waterlogging, and hygiene breakdowns during the rainy season.
Dr Abhideep Chaudhary, President-elect of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI) and Vice-Chairman at BLK-Max Hospital, reported a 40% surge in acute viral hepatitis cases in the last three weeks alone.
“Most patients were unaware of the importance of hepatitis vaccination — especially those relocating from rural areas,” said Dr Chaudhary.
Hepatitis E Poses Fatal Risk in Pregnant Women
Experts warn that hepatitis E can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, potentially leading to acute liver failure. Even hepatitis A, often considered milder, can cause severe complications requiring transplants in vulnerable individuals.
“There’s a dangerous misconception that jaundice is self-limiting and doesn’t require medical care. In reality, delayed diagnosis can result in life-threatening complications,” Dr Chaudhary cautioned.
30–40% Rise in Hepatitis Cases Compared to Last Month
Dr Sanjiv Saigal, President of LTSI, noted that cases of hepatitis A and E have risen by 30–40% over the past month — a seasonal trend that recurs annually.
“Despite the predictability of this spike, we remain unprepared each year. Preventive action — clean water, food safety, and targeted vaccination — is crucial,” said Dr Saigal.
WHO Estimates: India Among Top Contributors to Global Hepatitis E Infections
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that hepatitis E infects up to 20 million people annually, with India contributing significantly, particularly during the monsoon. Delhi’s rapid urbanisation, aging water infrastructure, and unregulated street food contribute to this seasonal outbreak.
NGOs and Hospitals Step Up Awareness Campaigns
Ahead of World Hepatitis Day, several NGOs and healthcare bodies have launched public awareness drives, including educational material distribution, health camps, and sanitation improvement efforts in slum clusters and flood-prone areas.
Dr Monika Jain of Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute reported a 30% jump in hepatitis A cases at her centre.
“We urge people to eat well-cooked food and wash hands regularly. Hygiene is key during monsoon,” she advised.
Call for Policy Action and Public Health Focus
Doctors across institutions have called for school-based immunisation programs, community education, and robust sanitation policies to combat the growing threat of hepatitis A and E. They also emphasized the importance of shifting public health efforts from treatment to prevention.
“This World Hepatitis Day must be a call to action — not just for hepatitis B and C, but also for the often-neglected A and E strains,” said Dr Chaudhary.
