The first case of Hepatitis A has been recorded in the Ternopil region: how to protect yourself

The first case of viral Hepatitis A has been confirmed in the Ternopil region. The disease has been diagnosed in a woman who is currently hospitalized.

This announcement was made by Volodymyr Trush, the head of the regional military administration. According to the statement from the Ternopil Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, a resident of one of the communities in the Ternopil region has tested positive for viral Hepatitis A.

An epidemiological investigation is currently underway, and samples are being collected from individuals who had contact with the patient and from the environment. The patient is receiving treatment in the infectious diseases department of a regional hospital, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

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.

Hepatitis A is typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, which can occur in several ways, including:

• Consumption of contaminated food or water that may contain feces from infected individuals.
• Poor personal hygiene practices.
• In households where an infected person prepares food for the entire family.
• Certain types of sexual contact can also lead to infection.

The incubation period for this disease is relatively long, lasting 2-6 weeks, which can make it challenging to identify the source of the infection.

Common symptoms of Hepatitis A include:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Right upper abdominal heaviness
• Darkening of urine
• Jaundice

After recovering from Hepatitis A, individuals develop lifelong immunity.

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

Moreover, there is a safe and effective vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis A infection. Although it is not part of the National Vaccination Schedule, it can be purchased from pharmacies. It is particularly recommended for adults working in public catering establishments, food processing plants, water treatment and sewage facilities.

As a reminder, anti-epidemic measures have been intensified in Vinnytsia region due to the Hepatitis A outbreak, which has been declared a regional emergency. Mobile medical teams have commenced emergency vaccinations for individuals who have had contact with the infected patients.

Additionally, cases of Hepatitis A have been reported in Ivano-Frankivsk. As of November 1, seven individuals, including four adults and three children, have been hospitalized at the regional infectious diseases hospital.

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