91 Hepa A cases recorded in first 9 months this year

There are 91 cases of Hepatitis A in Cebu City with one death from January to September this year, according to a report of the City Epidemiology Statistics and Surveillance Unit.

In its report submitted before the Public Information Office, the CESSU revealed that the data is 68 percent higher compared to the cases for the same period of last year. This indicates that cases have reached the upper limit for the last five years.

Barangays Lahug, Capitol Site and Guadalupe recorded the most number of cases, with six cases each, while Mambaling and Labangon registered five cases each. The report shows that cases have risen for the last three weeks when the city has experienced heavy rains and floods.

Males with age ranging from 4 to 75 years old were mostly affected, according to the report. Hepatitis A is an acute illness caused by a 27 nm picornavirus classified as Hepatovirus. It is manifested with jaundice, fever, loss of appetite, body malaise, extreme fatigue and right upper quadrant tenderness of the abdomen.

The disease is transmitted through person-to-person contact by fecal-oral route. The incubation period is from 15 to 50 days with maximum infectivity occurring during the latter half of the incubation period and would continue for a few days after the onset of jaundice.

City Epidemiology chief Ilya Tac-an provided a list of preventive measures to avoid Hepatitis A infection such as the sanitary disposal of feces, proper garbage disposal, and ensure safe and potable drinking water.

The city health department also said that proper preparation, cooking and storage of food are very important to avoid such ailment. Also, schedules and periodic monitoring of all food establishments and food handlers are necessary.

The public was also warned to avoid risky food and iced water in plastic containers sold by ambulant vendors and carenderias (eateries) where sanitation is doubtful.

Tac-an said that proper medical consultation for early detection and management of any illness leading to its treatment is very necessary. - Garry B. Lao/MEEV