2009 Gujarat hepatitis outbreak

The 2009 Gujarat hepatitis outbreak was a significant public health crisis that occurred in the Indian state of Gujarat, primarily affecting the city of Ahmedabad. Starting in early 2009, the outbreak was attributed to the spread of hepatitis E virus, which led to a steep rise in reported cases of acute hepatitis, particularly among pregnant women. The outbreak highlighted deficiencies in water quality and sanitation in the region, as the virus is often transmitted through contaminated water sources. Health authorities intensified surveillance and launched awareness campaigns to mitigate the outbreak's impact, which ultimately resulted in multiple fatalities. The incident underscored the need for improved public health infrastructure and preventive measures in addressing waterborne diseases in India.