Kerala has reported a significant rise in Hepatitis A cases, with over 31,000 confirmed and probable infections and 82 deaths recorded by the end of December 2025. Experts attribute the outbreak to widespread groundwater contamination, poor sanitation, and inadequate public health infrastructure. A notable shift shows more teens and adults are being affected, leading to more severe illness and hospitalizations compared to previous years when younger children were primarily impacted. Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection, preventable through vaccination and good hygiene, though it can cause severe illness in some individuals.