The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan has reported a concerning rise in the incidence of hepatitis A. Since the start of 2024, the country has recorded 850 cases of acute viral hepatitis A, marking an increase of 1.9 times compared to the previous year.
Transmission and Symptoms
Hepatitis A, a viral infection, is primarily transmitted through contaminated water, food, and via contact with infected individuals. The disease manifests through symptoms including fever, headache, loss of appetite, lethargy, nausea, and vomiting, with an incubation period ranging from 14 to 35 days.
Notably, individuals infected with hepatitis A are contagious to others two weeks before and one week after the onset of symptoms.
Vaccination Recommendations
To mitigate the spread of hepatitis A, the Ministry of Health advises vaccination for children aged two years and individuals who have been in close contact with infected individuals or in areas with a high incidence of the disease.
The Ministry emphasizes the importance of adopting preventive measures to reduce the risk of hepatitis A infection:
- Thorough handwashing before eating, after using the restroom, upon returning from work, and after outdoor activities.
- Avoiding consumption of unboiled water from open reservoirs and refraining from washing fruits and vegetables with contaminated water.
- Abstaining from swimming in polluted waters.
In a separate announcement, Minister of Health Akmaral Alnazarova declared that individuals suspected of cancer, tuberculosis, and diabetes in Kazakhstan will undergo free medical examinations, irrespective of their status in the compulsory medical insurance system. This initiative aims to ensure early detection and timely treatment for these critical health conditions.
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