- This year, a hepatitis A vaccination campaign was launched for one-year-old girls and boys.
- The most common symptoms are the following: sudden fever, malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
Within the framework of World Hepatitis Day commemorated every year on 28 July, the Ministry of Health (SEDESA) invites the public to strengthen hygiene measures and to participate in free Hepatitis A vaccination campaigns in 233 health centers in Mexico City.
Through the Mexico City Public Health Service, the agency provides universal free screening tests and medication to patients in need and trains health workers to inform the population about the disease.
To prevent the spread of the virus in the population, SEDESA, through the Mexico City Public Health Service, started a hepatitis A vaccination campaign for one-year-old boys and girls this year.
Immunizations are carried out in 16 mayor’s offices’ health centres, daycare centers and nurseries, and also for children aged 1 to 8 years in families working in the agricultural sector, notably in Milpa Alta, Xochimilco and Trahuac.
The most common symptoms are as follows: sudden fever, malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), so it is recommended to see a doctor if found.
As of July 26 this year, Mexico City has reported 689 cases of hepatitis A infection; in terms of hepatitis B, 52 cases have been recorded; as of April this year, hepatitis C cases have reached 191 cases.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver usually caused by viruses. There are five types of viruses, A, B, C, D, and E, which can cause acute and chronic infections that can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.
Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water, while hepatitis B, C and D are usually caused by contact with an infected person.
Of the latter three modes of transmission, the most common forms of transmission are transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products; use of contaminated equipment for invasive medical procedures; and use of contaminated equipment for invasive medical procedures. In the case of hepatitis B, it can be passed from mother to child during childbirth or through sexual contact.
SEDESA urges people, if they experience any of the above symptoms, to go to the health center closest to their home, workplace or school, where they will be treated by a free doctor.
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