Hepatitis Outbreak Closes Schools and Hospitalizes Many in Vinnytsia, Ukraine – Reuters

Schools in the central Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia will transition to online learning starting Monday due to a Hepatitis A outbreak that has resulted in numerous hospitalizations among children and adults, as reported by the country’s chief sanitary official over the weekend.

Ihor Kuzin, Ukraine’s Chief Sanitary Doctor and deputy health minister, emphasized the urgency of identifying the outbreak’s source and containment measures to prevent further spread of the virus. As of now, 141 individuals from Vinnytsia and the surrounding region have been hospitalized. The city, which had a population of approximately 370,000 before the war, serves as the administrative center for the Vinnytsia region.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can be transmitted through close personal contact or by consuming contaminated food or beverages. Individuals infected with Hepatitis A may experience illness lasting from a few weeks to several months, though most recover completely unless they belong to high-risk groups or have pre-existing health conditions.

Kuzin stated that the specific cause of the outbreak has not yet been determined. Authorities are currently analyzing transmission vectors and engaging with the community to identify potential contacts to help control the situation.