(Video) Five Tips for Avoiding Hepatitis at Home or Work

Within the framework of World Hepatitis Day, which is being observed this Friday, experts warn of the risk of this viral liver inflammation, which can manifest even decades later with serious sequelae, such as liver cancer.

Learn more: Untreated hepatitis can lead to liver cancer

According to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), more than 80% of treated cases in Costa Rica are of hepatitis A, with the most affected group being those under the age of 15. Cases of the disease are increasing.

Likewise, the total number of hepatitis cases reported this month is up 212% from the same period last year, with 1,009 cases reported so far this year compared to 323 in 2022, according to the latest reported data. The governing body responsible for this is the Health Surveillance Service.

Read more: Ending hepatitis is WHO’s 2030 challenge

“We call for hygienic measures, such as hand washing, to prevent the spread of hepatitis A, which has recently had an outbreak in Costa Rica,” said Dr. Diana Paniagua of the CCSS Epidemiological Surveillance Unit. The following information is also provided: Advice on preventing contagion at home or at work:

• Practice basic hygiene, especially hand hygiene before eating and after using the toilet
• avoiding food, drink or water from unknown sources
• Supervise, comply with, and monitor cleaning and disinfection processes for surfaces and common areas
• If symptoms of hepatitis A appear, please go to the corresponding medical institution for consultation
• If you come into contact with a sick person, wash your hands with soap and water after touching the sick person or contaminated items, and disinfect sinks, toilets, doorknobs, etc.