Covid, swine flu and, now, hepatitis looms large

55 new cases in July alone; 2021 tally of 308 reached in just 7 months this year

- SWAPNIL MISHRA

Amid the surge in swine flu and Covid cases in the city, more than 100 hepatitis cases have surfaced in the last two months, the highest in the last three years. According to data from the civic health department, around 55 new cases of hepatitis were reported in July.

Hepatitis A and E are liver inflammations caused by several viruses (viral hepatitis), chemicals, drugs, alcohol, or certain genetic disorders. They could also be caused by an overactive immune system mistakenly attacking the liver, termed autoimmune hepatitis. Depending on its course, hepatitis can either be chronic or acute. In cases where hepatitis is critical, it can flare up at constant intervals, while chronic hepatitis is generally a long-term condition resulting in progressive liver damage.