Whether it’s an evening snack or a weekend treat, street food holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially young people. But beneath the tantalizing aromas and vibrant flavors lies a hidden danger: the questionable quality of water, the overall hygiene of ingredients, and their origin.
Medical experts are sounding the alarm: even your favorite, seemingly harmless street snacks can be carriers of severe infections such as Hepatitis A. This acute liver infection is caused by a virus that spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or even close personal contact, often due to poor sanitary practices during preparation or storage.
A striking example recently surfaced at Aster Prime Hospital, where a 22-year-old software professional was treated for acute Hepatitis A. The patient’s illness was directly linked to consuming panipuri from a local street vendor. Symptoms included jaundice, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and unusually dark urine. Laboratory tests quickly confirmed elevated liver enzymes and the presence of anti-HAV IgM antibodies, pinpointing Hepatitis A as the cause.
Dr. Kaluvala Harsha Theja, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Aster, highlighted that while Hepatitis A typically clears up on its own in young adults, it can still lead to considerable discomfort and health complications if not properly managed.
Professor Kiran Madala from Gandhi Medical College clarified that, unlike its more serious counterparts Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A rarely advances to chronic infection or liver cancer. He described it primarily as ‘an immune-mediated illness that impacts the gut more than the liver.’ Given Hyderabad’s current challenges with inadequate drainage systems and contaminated water supplies, Professor Madala stressed that the risk of Hepatitis A is particularly elevated. He emphasized that while there’s no specific cure, preventative measures—such as strictly avoiding street food and ensuring you drink only boiled water—are absolutely vital.
Adding to the growing concern, Dr. Krupan Kumar, a Consultant Physician at Apollo Hospital, reported that the majority of Hepatitis A cases he treats are individuals under 30. He explained, ‘Youngsters are naturally drawn to the convenience and taste of roadside food, and unfortunately, this demographic is currently experiencing the highest burden of Hepatitis A infections.’