UVZ: Slovakia Recorded 56 New Cases of Hepatitis A Last Week

Bratislava, December 19 (TASR) - As many as 56 new cases of hepatitis A were recorded in Slovakia last week, while a total of 4,013 cases have been reported since the beginning of the year, TASR has learnt from the Public Health Authority's (UVZ) communications department. "The disease has occurred in all regions of Slovakia, with the highest incidence in Kosice and Presov regions. It occurs in all age groups, with the highest sickness rate found among the 5-9 age group," the office noted. After a suspected case of the disease was reported, an epidemiological investigation was launched at the outbreak site, and anti-epidemic measures are being implemented in order to prevent the further spread of hepatitis A (VHA) and stabilise the situation, stated UVZ on its website. Chief hygienist Tatiana Cervenova explained that hepatitis A can have an incubation period of up to 50 days, which means that the first symptoms of the disease can appear two months after infection, and a person can spread the disease without any symptoms. The first vague symptoms, she said, are lack of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain. The clear symptoms are dark urine and a yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes. Hepatitis A is a contagious disease caused by the hepatitis A virus that leads to viral inflammation of the liver. It is primarily transmitted through unwashed hands, in group settings and via food or water contaminated with the virus. lin/df