# Hepatitis A turns deadly in Kerala adults, doctors warn 2026-08-10T09:12:01+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Hepatitis A is no longer a mild childhood illness in Kerala. Doctors report an alarming age shift, with 90% of patients now in the 18-40 age group. Last year alone, the state recorded 31,536 cases and 82 deaths. In 2025 so far, 12,437 cases and 125 deaths have been reported, including 69 confirmed Hepatitis A deaths. Adults lack childhood immunity and suffer severe complications: acute liver failure, bone marrow suppression, and a cytokine storm requiring steroids and plasmapheresis. Two recent studies confirm this paradigm shift. The Malappuram-Kozhikode belt remains the epicentre. Clinicians say the government must either ensure safe drinking water or introduce universal Hepatitis A vaccination. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: adult infections, Hepatitis A, Kerala, public health, vaccination, waterborne disease Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/hepatitis-a-turns-deadly-in-kerala-adults-doctors-warn/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/hepatitis-a-turns-deadly-in-kerala-adults-doctors-warn/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.