In connection with the situation in Eastern Slovakia, the Slovak Health Department provided almost 5000 thousand vaccines for children against viral hepatitis A. This is the result of intensive communication with representatives of the Marketing Authorisation Holders of hepatitis A vaccines as well as with holders of large-scale marketing authorisations for medicinal products on their current availability. All three interested parties made every effort to import sufficient quantities of vaccines into Slovakia as soon as possible.
Certain quantities of vaccines have already been delivered to distribution companies and subsequently issued for vaccination. The current Ministry has provided vaccines of 4 752 Havrix junior, intended for children up to and including 1 year old. We responded to the situation and tried to ensure that there were enough necessary vaccines in the shortest possible time. Zuzana Dolinková, the health minister, approached.
The vaccine as a covered treatment is indicated under compulsory vaccination according to Article 7 (7) of the Ordinance in persons in direct contact with a diseased person with type A viral liver inflammation by decision of the Regional Public Health Office on medical supervision or increased health surveillance. As a covered treatment, it is indicated within the recommended vaccination according to § 9 (4) Decree in people dissensored for chronic liver disease and in persons aged two years living in places with low socio-hygienic standards, without access to drinking water, without decalizing waste water or with low housing standards.
What is hepatitis A
Viral hepatitis A (VHA), also called jaundice, is a highly contagious acute infectious disease that causes inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis A virus is most often transmitted by unwashed hands, usually when personal hygiene is not observed. The disease begins with symptoms that at first sight resemble the flu and gastrointestinal symptoms associated with abdominal pain, joint pain, general nausea, increased temperature, and dark urine are present. In a few days, most sick people appear jaundice (yellow colouration of the skin and eyes). The incubation time of the disease (the time from the virus entering the body to the first symptoms) is 15 – 50 days.
Disease from viral hepatitis And it was recorded in Eastern Slovakia and within Prešov region in three districts - Vranov nad Topľou, Prešov and Poprad. By 20 November 2023, 263 cases of disease had been recorded in the epidemiological context since the start of the epidemic. In the Prešov district there are currently 4 outbreaks in the municipalities Þ Žehňa, Červenica, Tuhrina and Varhaňovce.
The situation of jaundice type A was actively addressed in the Prešov region and the main hygieneist Ján Mikas, who continues to remind people that the anti-epidemic measures and necessary hygiene standards are being followed. The gradual improvement of the situation can only be ensured by consistent and persistent compliance with all existing anti-epidemic measures and necessary hygiene standards, since the incubation period of jaundice type And it can be up to 50 days. This is the only way to ensure a gradual improvement in the VHA situation, Ján Mikas said that the effect of anti-epidemic measures, if followed really consistently, will not show up immediately, but only after a few weeks just for the long incubation period of the disease.
In the district of Vranov nad Topľou, 148 cases of hepatitis A virus (Vechec, Zámutov, Poša, Sedliská, Banská, Salt, Kamenná Poruba, Vranov nad Topľou, Sačurov, Nižný Hrabovec, Rudlov and Čemerné) were recorded as early as 20 November 2023. Anti-epidemic measures at the outbreak site are secured.
The Regional Public Health Office in Košice reports an epidemiological situation in the presence of VHA as stabilised. It is currently vaccinated against hepatitis A in identified outbreaks.
Regional Public Health Office based in Michalovce records 189 diseases on 20.11.2023. Of which directly in the district Michalovce 176 diseases (Veľké Kapušany, Čičarovce, Drahňov, Iňačovce, Čečekov, Michalovce / Angi mill/, town Strážske, Zemplínska Široká)
Anti-epidemic measures are directed by the competent regional public health authority. Although new cases in outbreaks (mostly family contacts that have already been ordered), the situation can generally be considered rather stable.
Prevention of the disease is consistent compliance with hygiene standards, thorough wash of hands after the toilet and before each meal. It is also important to avoid close contact with potentially infected individuals and to avoid sharing personal items (e.g. not drinking from one glass). Experts also appeal to the importance of vaccination. A is a serious infectious disease against which we can protect ourselves by vaccination. Vaccination is optimal for children before starting kindergarten. The primary pediatrician of the child can be asked for vaccination and will provide more information, said Chief expert of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic for primary paediatrics Elena Prokopová.