Hepatitis A cases up 31%; also B and C

Oaxaca has seen an increase in new cases of hepatitis A, B and C compared to the same period in 2022, despite the availability of vaccines against the first two viruses.

In the framework of the observance of World Hepatitis Day on 28 July, an increase in the different types of the disease was recorded, with a higher incidence in men than in women.

The state of Oaxaca has accumulated 96 cases of hepatitis A so far this year, 56 in men and 40 in women, compared to 73 cases reported in 2022 as of epidemiological week 28. The state has the 14th highest number of cases among states so far due to the situation.

Regarding hepatitis A, the entities showing the most new cases were Mexico City (669), Guanajuato (524) and the State of Mexico (383). In contrast, the entities with the lowest number are the states of Tabasco (4 cases), Campeche (5 cases) and Colima (5 cases). 6).

In terms of hepatitis B, the entity has accumulated 22 confirmed cases as of 2023, compared to 19 cases in 2022, ranking seventh in the country. At the top of the list are Mexico City (50), the states of Mexico (31) and Yucatan (30). The states with no cases are Aguascalientes and Zacatecas.

In terms of hepatitis C, the state of Oaxaca ranks eleventh with 57 new cases, compared to 30 in the same period in 2022. The states with the most cases are Baja California (389), Mexico City (210) and Sinaloa (192).

On World Hepatitis Day 2023, WHO is calling on countries to expand access to diagnosis and timely treatment, especially for hepatitis B and C.

Viral hepatitis is a silent killer that claims countless lives each year, with symptoms only appearing in the advanced stages of the disease. In the Americas, nearly 80,000 new hepatitis B and C infections occur each year, most of which go unnoticed,” he said.

The World Health Organization recalls that effective vaccines and treatments offer hope for everyone. “The hepatitis B vaccine is available for adults and children, while a safe oral treatment can cure hepatitis C.”

Regarding hepatitis A, he noted that it is an inflammation of the liver that can lead to moderate to severe illness and is spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water or direct contact with an infected person.

Almost all patients recover fully and develop lifelong immunity. However, a very small number of people infected with HAV may die from fulminant hepatitis. The risk of hepatitis A virus infection is associated with lack of safe water and poor hygiene (eg dirty and contaminated hands) and sanitation.

This disease can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine,” he explained.

It should be remembered that in recent years, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Oaxaca has been the state with the lowest coverage of the basic vaccination program for minors (whether primary or booster) one.

The 2021 National Health and Nutrition Survey showed that Oaxaca had the lowest coverage at 20%, due to the first infections of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state in March 2020.