Hepatitis A Surges: Liver Failure Cases Rise

Recent years have seen a significant increase in acute liver failure patients at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, with Hepatitis A identified as a primary cause. This rise in severe Hepatitis A infections is a growing concern. Viral hepatitis, including Hepatitis A, B, C, and E, can severely damage the liver.

Hepatitis A and E are transmitted via contaminated food and water, often leading to self-limiting jaundice but sometimes progressing to life-threatening acute liver failure. Hepatitis B and C, spread through infected blood or body fluids, typically cause chronic infections. These are often asymptomatic initially but can silently lead to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and liver cancer over time.

In response to these trends, awareness campaigns and free viral hepatitis screenings are being conducted. Health professionals emphasize that testing is crucial for early diagnosis, especially for chronic hepatitis, as timely treatment can prevent severe liver damage and save lives. An awareness program is scheduled to discuss different types of hepatitis and answer public questions.