Rising Hepatitis A Incidence in Multiple Regions of Uzbekistan
A Sharp Increase in Hepatitis A Cases Among Children in Uzbekistan
Since the beginning of the year, there has been a significant increase in the number of children in Uzbekistan contracting hepatitis A. According to the head of the information service of the Committee on Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, Maftuna Saidova, a total of 9,507 children are currently infected with the virus in the republic.
The rise in incidence rates has been particularly notable in Andijan, Bukhara, Namangan, Surkhandarya, Samarkand, Fergana regions, as well as in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
Saidova emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing the transmission of the virus, stating that vaccination can prevent the virus in 94-98 percent of cases. Mainly, children aged 18 months to 14 years are vaccinated against hepatitis A, and the immunity developed from the vaccine lasts for 15 years.
It is worth noting that the vaccination is one-time, and repeated vaccination is not required. Last year, a total of 365,167 children were vaccinated throughout the republic. Moreover, more than 4 billion soums have been allocated from the local budget of several regions, including the capital, for the vaccination of children with disabilities and socially vulnerable children.
The authorities are urging parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated against hepatitis A in order to prevent further spread of the virus and protect their health.
