According to the Health Surveillance Service, in the 27th epidemiological week of 2023 (July 2-8), the country recorded 1,009 cases of hepatitis, while the number reached 323 in the same week in 2022.
The total number of hepatitis cases reported in the first half of 2023 has tripled compared to the same period last year.
According to the dataIn the 27th epidemiological week (July 2-8) in 2023, the country recorded 1,009 hepatitis cases, while the number reached only 323 in the same week in 2022, the Health Surveillance Service said. This represents an increase of 212 cases%.
Of the total cases reported this year, 838 were of hepatitis A, the most common disease among Costa Ricans. A total of 101 cases were registered for hepatitis B. Likewise, a total of 70 unclassified hepatitis cases were recorded.
Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the liver, with reported etiologies including viral, bacterial, immune, or toxic infections. Typical symptoms are yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Salud said the increase in hepatitis A cases could be due to lack of hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, coughing and sneezing, proper food handling and food intake at stalls or questionable sources. .
In the case of hepatitis B, the disease is associated with exposure to infected blood or unprotected sexual contact, including oral, receiving contaminated products through blood transfusions, organ transplants, invasive procedures (injections or tattooing with reused needles) , and from mother to newborn child.
The Ministry of Health has called on the public to maintain hygiene measures in view of the increase in hepatitis cases in the country.
“People are urged not to ignore hygiene measures and to avoid contact with people who have symptoms associated with this disease. Again, remember to go to a medical center immediately if symptoms develop,” the agency said in a release .