World Hepatitis Day: 399 cases registered in civic hospitals across Mumbai

Mumbai has seen a rise in Hepatitis A and E cases this monsoon, says doctors. In past three months, as many as 399 cases have been registered only in civic hospitals, confirmed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) health department.

"In a week, on an average, we are seeing 6-8 confirmed hepatitis A or E cases. The frequency is indeed high," said Dr Om Shrivastav, infectious disease expert.

Agreeing with the data shared by BMC, Dr Khusrav Bajan, intensivist at PD Hinduja hospital, said that the trend of rise in hepatitis A and E cases started before monsoon. "It has become quiet common. I see 1-2 patients in a day and have been admitting at least 2 patients a week. As compared to Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E is taking longer to cure," said Bajan.

He added that the disease strikes two weeks after ingestion. "We are also noticing that in hepatitis A and E, jaundice comes much earlier and stays longer. People, who have the habit of eating out, should be careful," said Bajan.

The city also witnessed a death due to Hepatitis in June where a 5-year-old boy from Wadala succumbed to the infection.

Shrivastav said that while the disease is self limiting, Mumbaikars should be careful on what they eat and drink outside. "High risk groups like immuno-compromised patients, pregnant women, children are vulnerable to the infection. They should be extra careful," he added.

Doctors said that Hepatitis A and E treatment includes rehydration, balancing electrolytes. On BMC's part, they have been testing water samples and screening people from the high risk areas. Hepatitis cases were reported from F/South (Parel), H/East (Santacruz), L Ward (Kurla) amd M/East (Deonar).