There are already 141 cases of hepatitis A in Colombia

According to the National Institute of Health, during week 28 of the year, in Colombia, 141 cases of hepatitis A have been reported, although in the country the first dose (at 12 months) is covered by the IAP (free of charge

July 28 marks the World Day of Hepatitis, a viral disease that affects 257 million people, according to the World Health Organization, which proposes to eliminate the disease by 2021.

Hepatitis It is very contagious and can be delicate because it produces inflammation in the liver, caused by viruses called A, B, C, D and E. All of these factors cause illness, but the symptoms do not always manifest themselves.They can be transmitted in different ways: food, contaminated water, bad without a condom, from mother to child during pregnancy or pregnancy. Delivery, by sharing personal hygiene items, by tattooing s or manicures with non-sterile items, infected needles, etc. and although treatment is diverse, prevention is a priority especially for hepatitis A and B, which must always be accompanied by biosecurity and vaccination.

The consumption of food contaminated with the hepatitis A virus produces the disease which usually affects the poorest and poor sanitary conditions. Prevention of this disease includes the application of the vaccine to infants from the age of one year, obtaining protective antibodies at 4 weeks in 90% to 100% of vaccinated .

Good hygiene practices such as good hand washing and good food preparation, among others, are the main tools to prevent the spread of hepatitis A. " should be vaccinated at the age of 12 months and adults at higher risk of infection, such as food handlers.) When acquired, it may exhibit symptoms such as fever, yellowing skin and eyes, pain in the abdomen, dark urine, whitish stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, among others, which puts health at risk, said Edwin Silva, infectious doctor , counselor of outpatient services and immunization health insurance practices.

According to the National Institute of Health, in the week 28 of the year, in Colombia were reported 141 cases of hepatitis A, although in the country the first dose (at 12 months) is covered by the IAP (free) and would usefully, to avoid this disease, cover 95% of the target population. A second dose (6 months after the first dose, in children or adults) provides prolonged protection for more than 10 years, at an additional cost and is available at vaccination sites.

Hepatitis B is a much more aggressive disease that affects the liver. Therefore, in Colombia, in 1993, the hepatitis B vaccine was universalized for children under 1 year of age and, in 2001, the application of the dose to the newborn was included in his first 12 hours of life. In contrast, hepatitis C is a silent disease, has no symptoms at acute time and can cause cirrhosis. It is transmitted by blood.

This virus worries not only Colombia but the whole world. Dr. Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of the World Program Against Hepatitis, said that "viral hepatitis has become the seventh leading cause of death in the world. Hepatitis B and C account for about 80% of liver cancer deaths and the death of about 1.4 million people a year, more than deaths from HIV or TB. "

How to prevent and detect hepatitis

-Adults and children should consider the following special precautions to prevent hepatitis:

-To take water, good hygiene, avoid sharing personal hygiene tools and use a condom

-It is also important to emphasize the symptoms

– Yellow in the eyes and on the skin, pale color in the stools, dark color in the urine, joint pain, vomiting and decay.

The best way to prevent infection is through vaccination. In Compensar Salud, a vaccination service is available for the Expanded Program immunization (PEV), the right of everyone and free access for the prevention of defined immuno-preventable diseases in children under 6, girls aged 9 to 17, pregnant women, women of childbearing age ( 15 to 49 years), adults over 60 years Additional offers the program is not covered according to the age and risk of the users under very favorable conditions of rates and methods of payment.