The Main Department of the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Kharkiv Region reports that, according to the Kyiv City Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, an outbreak of hepatitis A has been recorded in one of the districts of Kyiv, which is likely to be associated with the use of drinking water. An epidemiological investigation is currently underway to determine the factors that contributed to the spread of the infection and its possible source. For this, all responsible departments in the areas of activity are involved.
Hepatitis A is a disease caused by the hepatitis A virus that affects the liver. It is also called Botkin's disease. The course of the disease can be either mild or severe.
Hepatitis A is transmitted through food and drinking water. The disease is associated with poor-quality treatment of tap water, its purification from sewage, as well as with non-compliance with personal hygiene rules, insufficiently processed food, in families when an infected person prepares food for all family members, and during some types of sexual contact.
The virus is also transmitted through household contact, through cutlery, dishes and towels. Therefore, those who live with an infected person are also at risk. The virus is quite resistant: it can withstand temperatures up to 60°C, is resistant to acids and can persist in the external environment for a long time.
Hepatitis A prevention.
Hepatitis A infection can be easily prevented by following hygiene rules:
• the most effective way of protection is to follow the rules of personal hygiene (washing hands with soap and warm water before preparing and eating food, and after each visit to the toilet);
• use only boiled water. In regions with poor quality tap water treatment, it is better to use bottled water – both for drinking and cooking;
• do not use water from unfamiliar water sources for drinking, cooking, and washing dishes;
• Before consuming vegetables, fruits and berries, they must be thoroughly washed with drinking water; for consumption by children, they must be doused with boiling water.
At the first signs of illness, we recommend consulting a doctor.
God bless you!