Illustrative stock photo (source: TASR)
The Epidemiology Information System (EPIS) recorded 601 incidences of hepatitis type A by November 22, the Public Health Authority wrote, warning of the increased rate. The highest occurrence was noticed in Bratislava Region, where 216 cases were reported by doctors, while the lowest one was in Žilina Region where only seven cases were registered.
People, especially high-risk groups, should not forget to frequently wash their hands, since hepatitis viruses can be anywhere, on buses, door handles, shopping carts, etc. Yet the most effective protection is vaccination, the TASR newswire wrote, citing hygienists.
Children should especially be taught to wash their hands often, since their immunity is only developing: this year, most hepatitis type A cases could be ascribed to children aged between five and nine.
Hepatitis type A is infectious, and its symptoms are fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, sickness, high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, dark urine and light faeces. Gradually, the skin and eyes turn yellow. However, the illness can be present without these clear symptoms.
Hepatitis type A usually has a mild course and ends with complete healing, hygienists say. Those who are sick are usually isolated in infection wards. The condition does not continue into a chronic stage.
