Emergency situation declared in Vinnytsia region due to hepatitis A outbreak

A state of emergency has been declared in the Vinnytsia region due to an increase in hepatitis A cases, and enhanced measures have been taken to control the spread of the disease. Medical institutions and authorities are taking steps to prevent the further spread of the infection.

This was reported by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

In particular, the region has strengthened supervision over the cleaning and disinfection of public transport, and introduced a ban on fairs and the sale of home-made products in markets.

Additional checks are also being carried out on enterprises that serve the public, sell food and other epidemically dangerous goods and services.

In Vinnytsia, children will continue to study remotely and attendance at clubs and sports clubs will be canceled.

Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Igor Kuzin said that the source of infection has not yet been identified and there is a risk of further spread of the disease. The main cause of the hepatitis A outbreak may be infection through food or drinking water. Healthcare workers are actively investigating to identify the source of the infection.

At the moment, epidemiologists have already inspected markets and enterprises engaged in the production of consumer goods, dairy products, centralized water supply and enterprises that sell and deliver drinking water in the city.

It is noted that the epidemic investigation has already identified at least 4 possible sources of infection.

The incubation period for hepatitis A lasts from 14 to 28 days, and the most common symptoms of the disease include weakness, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and jaundice.

As of October 30, 174 patients were hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis, including 29 children. Another 25 patients recovered and were discharged from medical facilities.