Another Outbreak of Hepatitis A Detected in Lucenec District

Podrecany, 12 August (TASR) - Another outbreak of hepatitis A was detected in Lucenec district (Banska Bystrica region) last week, this time in the village of Podrecany, the Regional Public Health Authority (RUVZ) reported on its website on Tuesday. "The case, in the age category of between 40 and 44 years, was not epidemiologically linked to confirmed positive hepatitis A cases in the town of Filakovo and the surrounding villages," noted hygienists. RUVZ detected an increase in hepatitis A cases in Lucenec district at the beginning of the summer, with the first cases reported from Filakovo and its vicinity, purportedly brought to the region from abroad. Hygienists have so far recorded active outbreaks in Filakovo and in the villages of Sid, Tomasovce, Radzovce, Savol and Podrecany. There has also been one inactive outbreak in the village of Bulhary. The number of cases reported in the district has exceeded 40. 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/am