It's important to check the spread of Hepatitis A ' Till about 15 years ago hepatitis A was considered as the disease of the childhood as most people get exposed to the infection after 5 years. However, in the last five years, prevalence of Hepatitis A is also being observed in older age group of people between 15-20 years. More than 50 per cent of Indians in the age group of 15-20 years are susceptible to hepatitis A infection.
Experts say the prevalence in India varies according to the socio-economic strata.
At old age, the symptoms are evident and the mortality rate is higher. Due to increasing exposure at a higher age group, more and more countries are planning hepatitis A immunization programme. Dr. Graham Cooksley , director and professor, Clinical Research Centre, Royal Brisbane Hospital Foundation in Australia is a well-known expert on hepatitis infection. Dr. Cooksley is also a consultant to the Australian government and Pan Pacific Working Party on Control of Hepatitis B and is the Chairman of the Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Asia. Cooksley talks about newer aspects of hepatitis A and the changing socio-economic conditions that led to the growth of this infection.