In 2023, 22 residents of the Lviv region fell ill with viral hepatitis A, compared to 13 last year. Among the patients, adults – 77.3%, children – 22.7%.
According to the World Health Organization, 1.4 million people are diagnosed with viral hepatitis A every year.
Viral hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus; can have both a light and heavy course.
The hepatitis A virus is stable in the external environment and persists:
☛ at a temperature of +4°С - several months,
☛ at a temperature of -20°С - several years,
☛ at room temperature on household items - several weeks,
☛ in water - from 3 to 10 months,
☛ in bowel movements - up to 30 days.
The source of the causative agent of viral hepatitis A is a sick person.
The main mechanism of infection transmission is fecal-oral - through infected:
☛ water,
☛ food products,
☛ household items,
☛ dirty hands.
The incubation period (from the beginning of infection to the appearance of the first symptoms) lasts from 7 to 50 days (on average, 14 to 28 days).
Symptoms
☛ weakness,
☛ an increase in body temperature,
☛ decrease in appetite,
☛ nausea,
☛ heaviness in the right hypochondrium,
☛ Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes), there are non-jaundiced forms,
☛ a change in the nature of stools (darkening of urine and lightening of feces).
After a viral hepatitis A disease, a stable immunity is formed - a person will not get sick a second time.
How to prevent the disease
☛ Use water of guaranteed quality. If you are not sure that the water is safe, use bottled or boiled water for drinking, washing hands, vegetables and fruits, and cooking.
☛ Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing and eating food, after visiting the restroom.
☛ Before consumption, wash vegetables, fruits, greens and berries well with water of guaranteed quality.
☛ Don't buy food at flea markets!
☛ Consume dairy products after heat treatment.
☛ There are vaccines against viral hepatitis A that are among the recommended ones. A full course of 2 doses with an interval of 6 months, in outbreak conditions - 1 dose is enough to not get sick.
Remember! Disease is easier to prevent than to treat!
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