219 confirmed cases: Vinnytsia region of Ukraine is experiencing a continuing increase in hepatitis A cases

The Vinnytsia region of Ukraine is experiencing a continuing increase in hepatitis A cases, as reported by Ukrainian media citing sources within law enforcement agencies.

As of November 3, there have been 219 confirmed cases of the disease in the region. A total of 262 people sought medical assistance including 36 children and 111 individuals have been hospitalized, according to the source.

On October 24, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health reported that there was an outbreak of hepatitis A in the city of Vinnytsia. At that time, 60 people had been hospitalized including 14 children. Laboratory tests were conducted on 66 water samples, which included public drinking water sources, private wells and points of sale for drinking water or distribution networks. Out of these, 53 samples had already been checked and were found to meet sanitary standards.

Hepatitis A is typically transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food, water or contact with items handled by an infected individual. The infection enters the body through the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Effective prevention of hepatitis A mainly involves thorough handwashing, as the virus primarily affects the liver.