Infection Total in Hepatitis A Outbreak Reaches 80
The hepatitis A outbreak that hit southern Estonia this fall continues to find new victims - eight new cases were registered in the country last week, bringing the total number of those infected since the beginning of the year to 80.
In Viljandi County, the epicenter of the outbreak, 59 cases had been registered as of October 10, Delfi reported, citing data from the Health Board.
While health authorities have not pinpointed the origin of the infection, the Veterinary and Food Board said that it was unrelated to food, food preparation or drinking water. Doctors say that the disease is now being transmitted primarily person-to-person, through contact with those infected.
Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver, causing inflammation of the organ and often jaundice (yellowing of skin). It can be spread as the result of poor hygiene, contaminated food and contact with an infected person.
The first case in Viljandi was confirmed this past February but since August 25 the infection numbers have spiked dramatically.
Prior to this year, incidents of hepatitis A in Estonia had remained relatively rare, with most cases found among recent immigrants.
Steve Roman