[KDI Healthcare Room: Health Information for May, 2019]

 

 

The health authority has raised concerns about Hepatitis A infections that have increased rapidly in Seoul and its surrounding areas. Officials are alarmed because nearly three-quarters of the patients are in their 30s and 40s, who are usually believed to be have more resistance to the disease.

 

According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), 3,597 cases had been reported as of Friday, up 2.4 times from the same period last year. In addition, the number has already surpassed the total outbreaks of last year, at 2,346.

 

 

What is Hepatitis A?

 

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The hepatitis A virus is transmitted primarily by the fecal-oral route; that is when an uninfected person ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. In families, this may happen though dirty hands when an infected person prepares food for family members. Waterborne outbreaks, though infrequent, are usually associated with sewage-contaminated or inadequately treated water.

 

The virus can also be transmitted through close physical contact with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus. 

 

Symptoms of hepatitis include fatigue, sudden nausea/vomiting, and abdominal pain or discomfort. Not everyone who is infected will have all of the symptoms.

 

 

I have an abdominal discomfort and fever. Do I have Hepatitis A?

 

If you experience symptoms described above such as indigestion, malaise, muscle pain, loss of appetite along with high fever and nausea/vomiting, you might suspect hepatitis A. Especially, if you have jaundice symptoms (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) and dark-colored urine, please visit the doctor immediately.

 

 

How can I prevent Hepatitis A infection?

 

Getting vaccinated is your best defense. Currently, there is no specific medication that can get rid of hepatitis A. The vaccine must be given in two shots six months apart; the cost for each shot is around KRW 80,000.

 

Good hygiene is also very important. Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before and after handling food. Try to avoid uncooked food or unwashed fruits. When you travel to a place with poor sanitation, don’t drink tap water or eat raw food.

 

If you haven’t received hepatitis a vaccinations, please visit the local clinic and receive them. Feel free to stop by the Healthcare Room for more information on aepatitis a vaccinations.

 

Thank you. 

 

※ References: The Korea Times & World Health Organization (WHO)