Hepatitis A and E Cases Rising in Delhi: How You Can Stay Safe

Monsoon is here, and along with rain and chai cravings, Delhi is also seeing a rise in Hepatitis A and E cases. These are viral infections that attack the liver and spread through contaminated food and water. During heavy rains, sewage often mixes with drinking water, that’s the main reason there is a sudden rise in cases this season.

If you’ve been experiencing stomach ache, vomiting, fever, or yellowing of the eyes lately, it’s better not to dismiss it as just food poisoning. So, let’s explore what Hepatitis A and E really are, how they spread, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

What Are Hepatitis A and E, and How Are They Caused?

Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E are viral infections that primarily affect the liver.

● Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It spreads when a person consumes food or water contaminated with the virus. Poor hand hygiene and eating raw or undercooked food prepared in unhygienic conditions are common causes.

● Hepatitis E is caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV). Like Hepatitis A, it also spreads through contaminated food and water. Outbreaks usually occur during the monsoon because sewage mixes with drinking water supplies.

Who Gets Affected the Most By Hepatitis A and E?

Technically, anyone drinking unsafe water or eating contaminated food can catch it. But certain groups are more vulnerable, such as:

● People living in crowded areas with poor sanitation
● Those who already have liver problems
● Kids, elderly, and people with weak immunity
● Hepatitis E is particularly risky for pregnant women and can sometimes turn serious for both mother and baby

How Does Hepatitis A and E Spread?

Hepatitis A and E are viral infections and these viruses spread through the faeco-oral route, which means the virus enters your system when you eat or drink something contaminated with infected stool.

Especially during rains, when sewage leaks into pipelines, it becomes a big problem. Street food, salads, roadside food, and even ice made from unclean water are common culprits.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

The early signs feel like a bad stomach infection, which is why people often ignore them. Watch out for:

● Fever and fatigue
● Nausea or vomiting
● Stomach pain
● Yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice)
● Dark urine and pale stools

If these symptoms show up, especially jaundice, it’s time to see a doctor and get tested.

How to Prevent Getting Infected From Hepatitis A and E?

There is no cure for Hepatitis A or E as such, so prevention is the best strategy. A few simple steps can keep you safe:

● Always drink boiled or filtered water
● Avoid raw salads, cut fruits, and roadside food during the monsoon
● Wash your hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet
● Keep drains covered and surroundings clean
● Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A if you fall in a high-risk group

Good hygiene practices, especially during monsoon can help you stay safe.

What Is the Treatment?

Most people recover on their own with sufficient rest, good food, and hydration. But this is what is usually recommended:

● Taking plenty of rest
● Eating clean, light, and home-cooked food
● Staying well-hydrated with safe fluids like water, soups, or coconut water
● Avoiding alcohol completely
● Not taking self-prescribed painkillers or antibiotics, they can actually stress your liver more

In severe cases (especially in pregnant women), hospital monitoring may be needed to avoid complications.

Why Are Cases of Hepatitis A and E Infections Rising Every Year?

It’s not just Delhi. Cities like Patna, Ahmedabad, and even Kerala have seen rising Hepatitis A and E outbreaks in the last few years. The reasons could be the following:

● Rapid urbanisation with poor waste management
● Old and leaky water pipelines
● Lack of awareness about hygiene
● Love for street food during rains

Unless sanitation improves and people start taking preventive steps seriously, these seasonal spikes will keep happening.