After Nantes, it is Lyon and its department that record an increase in cases of hepatitis A. The Directorate General of Health (DGS) recalls the conduct to be held, in particular in terms of prevention and vaccination.
The increase in the number of cases of hepatitis A (VHA) in the Nantes metropolis (more than 25 cases since early June), then in the Rhône (57 cases since early July, mainly in the 7the Lyon arrondissement) shedded the health authorities who successively sent two DGS-Urge, on July 29 and August 19. In both cases, the situation “Leave to think that the circulation of the virus is currently very active and could increase in the coming weeks”indicates the Directorate General of Health.
“VIHA vaccination is an effective prevention measure”, Recalls the DGS in its recommendations. According to the vaccination calendar in force, the pharmacist can prescribe and administer hepatitis A vaccine from 11 years old (Avaxim, Havrix, Vaqta) to the following targets:
– Systematic vaccination in anyone living under the same roof as a case. Vaccination should be carried out as soon as possible within a maximum of 14 days after the start of the symptoms of the index case. In people never vaccinated against hepatitis A which in addition was born after 1945, are without known history of jaundice and not having stayed more than a year in a country of strong endemicity, vaccination is possible without serology. In other cases, serology is necessary;
– among people with risk factors: young disabled people welcomed in establishments and services for childhood and youth; Patients with cystic fibrosis and/or hepatobiliary pathology capable of evolving towards chronic hepatopathy (notably due to hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C or excessive alcohol consumption); children born from families, one of the members (at least) from a country of high endemicity and who are likely to stay there; men with sex with men (HSH);
– among professionals exposed to a risk of contamination.
If the pharmacist cannot vaccinate travelers, he can inform him of prevention measures against hepatitis A.
The hepatitis A virus is present in the faeces of affected people. The infection is transmitted by contaminated hands or foods. Frequently asymptomatic, especially in children, infection manifests itself in a fever, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, asthenia and jaundice. In the majority of cases, acute hepatitis spontaneously healed without sequelae.