Hygienists Detect New Outbreak of Hepatitis A near Filakovo

Lucenec, 2 September (TASR) - A new outbreak of hepatitis A was detected in the village of Belina near Filakovo (Banska Bystrica region) at the end of August, involving one child with the disease, the Regional Public Health Authority (RUVZ) in Lucenec reported on its website on Tuesday. "The case was epidemiologically linked to confirmed positive cases of hepatitis A in the town of Filakovo and surrounding municipalities in the district of Lucenec," according to RUVZ. A total of nine new cases of hepatitis A were reported in the district in the 35th calendar week. Hygienists have so far recorded six active outbreaks in the villages of Belina, Podrecany, Sid, Radzovce and Savol, as well as in Filakovo. Based on additional diagnostic examinations, the outbreak in village of Dobroc reported by RUVZ in the second half of August wasn't confirmed. 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. In connection with the outbreak, epidemiological investigation of the cases, medical supervision and vaccination have been ordered to close contacts, along with disinfection measures and cleaning in outbreak sites. 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/mcs