The Alba Public Health Directorate is monitoring two hepatitis A outbreaks, with 23 confirmed cases and over 130 contacts identified

The Alba Public Health Directorate is monitoring two active hepatitis A outbreaks in the county, in Alba Iulia and Valea Lungă, where a total of 23 cases have been confirmed. Authorities recommend strict adherence to hygiene rules, isolation of sick people, and discussing vaccination with family doctors.

In Alba Iulia, in the Lumea Nouă neighborhood, a community outbreak with 18 confirmed cases and 96 contacts was identified. Of these, 11 accepted vaccination, while another three are currently being immunized. In Valea Lungă, five cases were confirmed, and 23 of the 36 contacts identified were vaccinated.

The confirmed cases include three children aged between 0 and 4, 10 children aged between 5 and 9, seven aged between 10 and 14, and three people aged between 15 and 24. Educational institutions are also operating near one of the outbreaks.

Hepatitis A is transmitted predominantly through the fecal-oral route, via dirty hands, contaminated water or food, infected objects, or direct contact with a sick person. The incubation period is, on average, 28–30 days, but may range from 15 to 50 days. The virus can be transmitted before symptoms appear, which facilitates its spread in the community.

The Alba Public Health Directorate emphasizes that rigorous hygiene, the rapid identification of cases, compliance with isolation requirements, and vaccination of eligible people are essential for limiting the outbreaks.