Hepatitis A outbreak in Kyiv: an infectious disease specialist told how to recognize and prevent the disease

An outbreak of hepatitis A has been recorded in Kyiv. This was reported by the Director of the Kyiv City State Administration Department of Health, Valentyna Ginzburg. Currently, 20 adults and 16 children are being treated in the capital's hospitals.

LIGA.Life spoke with infectious disease specialist Anastasia Neklyudova to find out why outbreaks of this infectious disease periodically occur in Ukraine, how it is transmitted, and what to do to protect yourself and your children.

Why does an outbreak of hepatitis A occur and how is the disease transmitted?

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur due to population migration, water supply problems, insufficient vaccination coverage, and the presence of a susceptible (unvaccinated) population, the doctor explains:

— Hepatitis A is a viral disease that is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. The infection can be contracted through contaminated vegetables and fruits, unwashed hands, unheated water, or water from suspicious sources. That is, the disease is always transmitted from one person to another.

Symptoms of hepatitis

Hepatitis A is characterized by a sudden onset of the disease. The disease is transmitted even before the appearance of jaundice – it is during this period that a person is already contagious. Symptoms can vary: sometimes hepatitis A begins as a common cold, sometimes as an intestinal infection with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Sometimes the first signs are severe weakness.

This initial period lasts for a few days, after which jaundice usually sets in. It may gradually increase, peak, and then subside.

Children often have an aicteric form or a mild course. That is why many people do not even know that they contracted hepatitis A in childhood.

In adults, the symptoms are usually more pronounced. Jaundice can last longer, and the clinical picture can be more vivid, says Anastasia Neklyudova.

Does hepatitis leave behind long-term health consequences?

Hepatitis A usually does not pose a serious threat to health, says the infectious disease specialist. The only exceptions may be cases when an adult has chronic or concomitant liver diseases – then there is a risk of developing acute liver failure.

One of the main dangers of hepatitis A is that a person becomes contagious even before the first symptoms appear. That is, they are already shedding the virus into the environment and can infect others without even suspecting the disease, says Anastasia Neklyudova:

— Although it is not a fatal disease, weakness, jaundice, unstable bowel movements, and other manifestations can last up to a month or even longer, especially if there are concomitant health problems.

But in most cases, the disease ends in complete recovery and never becomes chronic.

What actions should a person who has been in contact with a patient with hepatitis A take to avoid getting sick?

Considering that Ukraine currently lacks the possibility of passive immunization (i.e., the administration of immunoglobulin), the best protection is vaccination as soon as possible within the first 14 days after possible contact with the virus, says the expert:

— Vaccines against hepatitis A are available in Ukraine, in particular the monovaccine "Havrix" or the combined vaccine "Twinrix".

After vaccination, it is worth carefully monitoring the person's well-being. If there is a risk of infection or suspicion of contact with the virus, it is necessary to observe enhanced hygiene. It is recommended to allocate separate dishes and towels for the person, even if they do not yet have symptoms. This is important in order to prevent possible transmission of the virus, because a person can already be contagious without even knowing it.

— It is very important to follow basic hygiene rules. First of all, wash your hands regularly: after using public transport, visiting the toilet, and before eating. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly under running water.

If you have any doubts about the quality of a product, it is better not to consume it. The same applies to water: if you are not sure that the water is safe to drink, do not drink it raw. It is better to boil it or use bottled water.

In countries with high rates of hepatitis A, they even recommend washing bottled water bottles before using them, says the doctor.

What are effective methods of preventing hepatitis A and is vaccination recommended during an outbreak?

— The most effective way to protect against hepatitis A is, first of all, a normal epidemiological situation in the country. This includes the presence of a central sewage system, access to clean drinking water, and compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards.

Second, vaccination. If the Havrix vaccine is used (it is available for both children and adults), it is administered twice: the first dose, and the second after 6-12 months. The vaccine is effective and provides immunity for at least 20 years, and sometimes for life.

Is vaccination recommended during an outbreak? Yes, of course. There are no contraindications to vaccination during an outbreak. Previously, this was avoided only due to the shortage of vaccines. If you get vaccinated after infection — during the incubation period — it simply won’t work, but it won’t do any harm either. It will just be a useless vaccination.

"On the other hand, if the vaccination is done at the beginning of contact with the virus, there is a chance that the body will have time to produce antibodies. In this case, the person will either not get sick at all or will suffer the disease in a milder form," explained Anastasia Neklyudova.