New Outbreak of Hepatitis A Reported in Lucenec

Lucenec, 5 August (TASR) - A new outbreak of hepatitis A has been detected in the village of Savol in Lucenec district (Banska Bystrica region), the Regional Public Health Authority (RUVZ) reported on its website on Tuesday, adding that it was epidemiologically linked to previous cases in the same district. Hygienists detected a case of hepatitis A involving a young child in Savol last week. "The case was epidemiologically linked to confirmed positive hepatitis A cases in the town of Filakovo and the surrounding villages," noted RUVZ. RUVZ has recorded an increase in hepatitis A cases in Lucenec district, specifically in the town of Filakovo and neighbouring villages, adding that the disease was brought to the region from abroad. Currently, there is one inactive outbreak in the village of Bulhary and five active outbreaks in Filakovo and the villages of Sid, Tomasovce, Radzovce and Savol. A total of 39 cases have been recorded so far, with two new cases added in the 31st calendar week. Hepatitis A is a communicable disease leading 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