Ahmedabad, July 28th, 2025: City doctors have witnessed a 5-7 times increase in acute liver failure cases linked to Hepatitis A. The significant surge in Hepatitis A-linked acute liver failure cases has been registered post the COVID-19 pandemic and people in the age group of 10-25 years are mostly affected.
Dr Pathik Parikh, Liver Transplant Physician, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, said, “We are witnessing at least 5-7 times surge in Hepatitis A linked acute liver failure cases compared to the pre-COVID era. The Hepatitis A virus, which was once considered mild, now appears to be more aggressive and results in severe outcomes. Many of these patients have to undergo liver transplant. In severe cases, the virus can lead to multi-organ failure and eventual death.”
Notably, Hepatitis A is a type of liver inflammation that occurs due to ingestion of contaminated food, water or direct contact with an infected person. Symptoms include unusual tiredness and weakness, sudden nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or discomfort (especially on the upper right side beneath lower ribs, which is over the liver), loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, joint pain, yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice).
Hepatitis A spreads mainly due to poor hygiene practices, and cases tend to spike during monsoon. It can spread by consuming contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A can be detected through a simple blood test.
Dr. Parikh shares, “Since Hepatitis A is caused by unhygienic conditions, my advice is to follow basic hygiene practices—wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, drink safe, boiled and filtered water, avoid eating outside food, especially during the monsoon, and keep your hands clean.”
“The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is to get vaccinated. Hepatitis A is a preventable disease, and vaccines are available for it. The vaccine can be taken at any point in life. Individuals who are unsure about their vaccination status can consider an antibody test and get vaccinated if they haven’t already,” says Dr. Apurva Shah, Senior Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad
In contrast, cases of Hepatitis B have seen a sharp decline due to government-led vaccination programmes. The vaccine has been part of the National Immunization Schedule since 2002, resulting in significant protection for those born after its inclusion. It was earlier one of the major reasons for liver cancer and liver failure in India. However, thanks to the efforts of the government, cases have significantly reduced. Most of the current cases are seen in older adults who were born before the vaccine became widely available.
Hepatitis C, which was once a growing health concern, has seen a significant decline since 2016 due to the availability of effective, affordable treatment and continued awareness efforts. Currently, the individuals most at risk are those requiring frequent blood transfusions, such as patients with thalassemia, hemophilia, or other chronic blood disorders. Outside of these high-risk groups, the virus has been nearly eliminated.