Hepatitis A Virus, Transmission and Symptoms

Context: Kerala experienced the most severe outbreak of the Hepatitis A virus, with 1,977 confirmed cases and 12 deaths reported in the first four and a half months of this year.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A, also called hep A, is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Viral Infection: Primarily causes inflammation of the liver.
Infection Duration: Can be an acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) infection.
Transmission: Spread through consuming contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

About Havisure

Havisure is India’s first indigenously developed vaccine for Hepatitis A.
Dosage:
- It is a two-dose vaccine.
- The first dose is given to individuals over 12 months of age.
- The second dose is administered at least six months later.
Eligibility:
- Recommended for routine immunisation in children and individuals at risk due to exposure or travel to regions with high Hepatitis A prevalence.
- Also advised for individuals with occupational infection risks and those with chronic liver diseases.
Significance:
- Expected to play a crucial role in preventing Hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food or water.