Hygienists Detect New Outbreak of Hepatitis A in Roznava

Roznava, 4 August (TASR) - A new outbreak of hepatitis A involving six children has been reported by hygienists in Roznava (Kosice region), the Regional Public Health Authority (RUVZ) reported on its website on Monday, adding that several measures have already been adopted. "The new outbreak was detected in the northern borough of the town of Roznava, in a location with a low standard of hygiene," said RUVZ. The children are below ten years of age, with two of them frequenting a nursery school. The disease manifested itself with abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. The measures imposed include medical supervision and immunisation for all close contacts, be they in the same family or class. The town of Roznava has received recommendations for preventing the spread of the communicable disease, along with leaflets in the Roma and Slovak languages and the measures to be observed if mass events are organised. Advice and recommendations have also been sent to local supermarket chains and other authorities, such as the Regional Veterinary and Food Administration in Roznava, which RUVZ invited to take part in official inspections in connection with the sale of non-packaged foods. Hygienists detected a total of 52 cases of hepatitis A in the village of Dobsina in Roznava district at the beginning of April. By August, an additional 27 cases had been reported in the nearby village of Kobeliarovo. Hepatitis A is a contagious disease caused by the hepatitis A virus that leads to viral inflammation of the liver. It is primarily transmitted by direct contact. The disease typically starts with flu-like and gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pains, joint pains, a general malaise, fever and dark urine. Jaundice may develop in the patient a few days later. jrg/df/ko