Hepatitis A wave in Lower Saxony

Enigmatic increase in hepatitis A infections in Lower Saxony

06.11.2012

Also in the district of Verden, cases of hepatitis A have increased in recent days. After the health authorities in the neighboring district Heidekreis had already noted a significant increase in hepatitis A disease, now in the district of Verden in the region Kirchlinteln hepatitis A infections has been registered. According to the district administration of Verden, there is apparently a connection between the similar diseases in the two districts of Lower Saxony.

According to the official press release, seven cases of hepatitis A have been reported to the district health department of Verden. The way in which the affected persons have contracted the virally induced inflammation of the liver is still unclear. In order to avoid further spread of the pathogens, the health authority Verden has in the meantime established contact with the affected persons and initiated preventive measures. Nevertheless, be due „the nature of the disease and, in view of a past infection possibility, it can be expected that even more diseases will occur“, so the message of the district administration.

26 hepatitis A cases in two neighboring districts of Lower Saxony
In the Heidekreis district, the Walsroder villages of Südkampen, Nordkampen, Klein Eilsdorf and Vethem are affected by the increased hepatitis A infections. By Monday, according to the district administration, 19 cases had occurred within a few days. The Department of Health and the Department of Veterinary and Consumer Protection are on the ground to avoid spread of the pathogens and to identify the source of the virus infection. However, not least because of the long incubation period of hepatitis A, there are clear doubts as to whether the cause of the disease can be identified. In the district of Verden, the health department and the veterinary service of the district in cooperation with the health authorities of the neighboring Heidekreis and the Lower Saxony State Health Office have also introduced precautionary measures in persons who had contact with sick people. Again, the search for the source of infection is in full swing. Intensive investigations were initiated, according to the announcement of the district administration. As a precaution, the local doctors' offices, the Aller-Weser-Klinik and the emergency medical service were also contacted.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A.
As a viral inflammation of the liver, hepatitis A is usually characterized by relatively nonspecific flu-like symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Also strikingly clear bowel movements or liver pain are possible symptoms of hepatitis A. In hepatitis A, jaundice (jaundice), which is typical of severe liver disease, is less common. High liver values ​​are the most important indicator in the diagnosis of hepatitis. Normally, hepatitis A completely heals after four to eight weeks and leaves no damage to the liver. The hepatitis A is transmitted by the so-called contact or smear infection, in which excreted urine or stool pathogens are passed on by lack of hygiene to fellow human beings (fecal-oral transmission). An infection via contaminated drinking water is possible. Faeces-fertilized vegetables are also a potential source of infection, especially in developing countries. In this country, however, hepatitis A will „primarily about bowel movements and a subsequent so-called smear infection“ So careful hand washing with soap could effectively prevent transmission, Verden Health Agency reports. Above all, in the preparation of food, perfect hygiene is particularly important. (Fp)

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