Since June, more than forty cases of hepatitis A virus have been identified in the Lyon region. This is part of a context of resurgence of contaminations in Europe. In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, it is in the Metropolis of Lyon that the progression is the strongest.
This liver disease “caused by a virus present in the stool of contaminated people. The transmission is mainly carried out by oro-faster, in particular through the consumption of water or soiled food (seafood, raw or poorly washed products) or by direct contact with contaminated objects or hands, “specifies the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
A few serious forms
If hepatitis A can be asymptomatic, it can also evolve in a serious form, especially in people at risk. In the majority of cases, hepatitis has caused significant fatigue, digestive symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain a loss of appetite, or even jaundice.
Avoid spreading in a few gestures
ARS highlights three gestures which, according to her, reduce the propagation of the virus:
► “Wash your hands regularly in water and soap, especially after going to the toilet in particular before meals
►bow food, especially by washing them with drinking water
►Evit the consumption of raw or little -cooked seafood »
Vaccination, “an effective means of prevention”
This infection being widespread in several countries, the ARS recommends “vaccination against hepatitis A constitutes an effective means of prevention, especially for people having to go to areas where the virus circulates in a endemic way (Africa, Latin America, Middle East, Central Asia, Oceania)”.
The agency concludes: “Upon returning from a stay abroad, the appearance of digestive symptoms or a jaundice must lead to a medical consultation. “In this case, the ARS specifies the importance of reporting the trip to healthcare professionals” in order to facilitate the diagnosis and, if necessary, to implement the appropriate measures “.