Outbreak of hepatitis A in Vinnytsia: dozens of people, including children are in the hospital

In the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia, there is an outbreak of Hepatitis A. In one of the city’s districts, 60 people have already been hospitalized.

This information is reported by the press service of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

“60 people with a confirmed diagnosis of Hepatitis A have been hospitalized, including 14 children. Additionally, another 14 patients are under observation and awaiting confirmation of the diagnosis”, – the statement reads.

Specialists are investigating possible causes of the outbreak, including factors such as open-air markets, water supply and the contacts of those infected.

A total of 66 water samples have already been collected for laboratory analysis, which includes samples from public drinking water sources, private wells, points of sale for drinking water or distribution networks. Out of these, 53 have been tested and meet sanitary standards.

Hepatitis A infection occurs through the consumption of contaminated food products, water, contact with unwashed hands and contact with objects of daily use (such as dishes, linens, towels, toys, etc.) used by an infected individual. The infection enters the body through the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Ironically, thorough handwashing remains the primary method of prevention against Hepatitis A. The causative agent affects the liver.

It’s worth noting that in 2019, there was an outbreak of Hepatitis A reported in the Kirovohrad region.

As a reminder, at the end of September 2023, there was a poisoning outbreak among cadets at a school in Odessa. Medical professionals hospitalized 68 cadets due to food poisoning and foodborne infections.