Health authorities issue alert to people as hepatitis A cases rise

The number of cases as of September increased by 1216% compared with 2022

Health Ministry authorities have issued an appeal to the public due to rising cases of hepatitis A. According to the Ministry of Health report, As of September this year, a total of 1,435 cases of hepatitis A have been registered. It has been confirmed by the laboratory that it has continued to increase this year.

According to the World Health Organization, hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is primarily spread when uninfected (and unvaccinated) people ingest water or food contaminated with human feces. The disease is closely associated with consumption of unsafe food and water, poor hygiene, poor personal hygiene and oral sex.

Comparing the number of cases reported so far this year with the total number registered in 2022, there is a clear increase of 1,317 confirmed cases (an increase of 1,216%).

The number of cases in 2023 is close to the number recorded in 2019 (1,584 cases), which dropped significantly between 2020 and 2022, when several handwashing campaigns and preventive measures were implemented within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic. 19.

They have assurances from the Ministry of Health “they have Conduct investigations on confirmed cases and their contacts, Develop necessary recommendations and hygiene measures to avoid contagion and protect the health of the population; in addition, coordinate with other health agencies to actively monitor and monitor cases. “

Health authorities urge the public to wash their hands frequently, adopt hygienic measures when preparing food, and go to the nearest health center if they experience symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, general discomfort, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and/or dark-colored urine (biliuria).

For those caring for minors, health authorities remind them that they should not visit education centers if they are sick to avoid spreading the virus.