"Fake and a part of the enemy's information warfare": the Ministry of Health of Ukraine has debunked rumors about declaring a quarantine in Ukraine due to a hepatitis A outbreak

The Ministry of Health has refuted rumors of a quarantine in Ukraine due to a hepatitis A outbreak. They acknowledged that the outbreak of the disease has only been registered in the Vinnytsia region, with isolated cases in other regions.

However, it was noted that these isolated cases have no epidemiological connection with the outbreak in the Vinnytsia region. This information was reported by the Ministry of Health's press service.

"False information regarding hepatitis A outbreaks in various regions and the implementation of a quarantine is being disseminated on the internet. Moreover, the information about a hepatitis A outbreak in the Ivano-Frankivsk region is deliberately untrue," the statement stated.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that this information is not accurate and is part of hostile information warfare (IPSO). They called for trust in official sources of information and not the spread of false information.

The Situation in Ivano-Frankivsk Region

It was stressed that there is currently no outbreak of hepatitis A in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. All cases registered in the region are isolated and have no common epidemiological link.

In October, 12 cases of infection were detected in the region. People became infected at different times and for different reasons. Therefore, this number of cases within three weeks cannot be classified as an outbreak.

The Situation in the Vinnytsia Region

An outbreak of viral hepatitis A has indeed been documented in the Vinnytsia region. Since October 16, 262 people have sought medical care. Currently, 111 patients remain in hospitals, and 87 have been discharged.

The source of the hepatitis A outbreak in the Vinnytsia region has not yet been identified. Medical professionals working in hospitals with patients infected with hepatitis A, emergency medical workers, and public health experts involved in the outbreak response have been vaccinated. Vaccinations are also being administered to contacts.

Overall Situation in Ukraine

In total, 314 cases of the disease have been recorded in Ukraine within 9 months. In 2022, a total of 281 cases were registered for the entire year.

It's important to note that hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease that affects the liver. It is one of the five known hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E.

The disease is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, primarily:

• by consuming contaminated food or water that may contain feces from infected individuals;
• due to poor personal hygiene;
• in family settings when an infected individual prepares food for all family members;
• certain types of sexual contact can also lead to infection.

The incubation period for the disease is relatively long, lasting 2-6 weeks, which makes it challenging to identify the source.

Common symptoms of hepatitis A include:

• weakness and fatigue;
• fever; loss of appetite;
• diarrhea;
• vomiting;
• abdominal discomfort;
• heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
• darkening of urine;
• jaundice.

After recovering from HAV, lifelong immunity is developed.

Following simple daily practices, such as washing hands before eating and after using the toilet, drinking only boiled water, and washing vegetables and fruits, can help prevent the disease.

Additionally, there is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent infection with this disease, though it is not included in the National Vaccination Schedule. You can purchase it at pharmacies. It is essential for adults working in public catering establishments, food processing plants, water treatment and sewage facilities to get vaccinated against hepatitis A.

As a reminder, due to the hepatitis A outbreak, anti-epidemic measures have been intensified in Vinnytsia Oblast. The spread of the disease has been classified as a regional emergency. Mobile medical teams have started the emergency vaccination of individuals who have been in contact with patients.

Moreover, hepatitis A has been identified in Ivano-Frankivsk. As of November 1, seven people, including four adults and three children, have been hospitalized in the regional infectious diseases hospital.

On November 3, the first case of viral hepatitis A was reported in the Ternopil region, affecting a woman who is currently hospitalized.

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