On Tuesday, the Directorate General of Health (DGS) reported an outbreak of hepatitis A, identifying 23 cases between January 1 and March 5.
The majority of cases are men aged 20 to 49, 44% are sexually transmitted, with no serious or fatal cases reported, the DGS said on its website.
“The National Institute of Health Dutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) has identified among the confirmed cases six cases of hepatitis A virus strains previously identified during an outbreak that occurred between 2016 and 2018 and affected several European countries, including Portugal,” the DGS emphasized. on the same note.
The DGS added that so far “there does not appear to be a link with possible consumption of certain products.”
“To date, according to the information obtained from the reported cases, there is no connection with the possible consumption of specific food products, namely strawberries, taking into account the European food safety alert when detected and pre-sold in Spain. , shipments of strawberries contaminated with the hepatitis A virus from Morocco, a country where hepatitis A is endemic,” he pointed out.
Although the epidemiological investigation is ongoing, “there is an increase in the number of cases reported in January and February 2024 compared to the same period in previous years.”
In 2020, four cases were registered, in January-February – in 2021 – two cases, in 2022 – six cases, in 2023 – two cases, in 2024 – 18 cases.
From 2020 to 2023, 102 cases were recorded.
The DGS recommends reporting suspected cases to SINAVEmed (https://sinave.minsaude.pt/), conducting an epidemiological survey and immediately reporting confirmed cases to the laboratory.
The DGS also recommends strengthening public health measures such as education on hygiene and food safety, including washing hands before and after eating and disinfecting food preparation areas, as well as frequent hand washing and personal hygiene, especially in the genital and perianal area. especially before and after visiting sanitary facilities, as well as before and after sexual intercourse.
Increased vaccination is also required.
According to the DGS, contacts of confirmed cases – cohabitants and sexual contacts – should be vaccinated within two weeks of the last contact.
If two weeks have passed and the vaccine is not indicated, the person should be advised to remain vigilant for symptoms and to increase appropriate measures to prevent possible transmission, as this may occur before symptoms appear.
The GGD also places special emphasis on promoting communication and health promotion strategies in collaboration with civil society, especially in the LGBT+ community.
The hepatitis A vaccine is available by prescription at community pharmacies, he points out.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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