Bangkok: The government has issued a warning regarding a significant increase in hepatitis A cases, urging the implementation of stringent measures to control food and water safety to prevent potential outbreaks.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring the hepatitis A situation after observing a continuous rise in cases. The data from the disease surveillance system indicates that the number of patients is approximately double compared to the same period last year, particularly in central and eastern regions such as Bangkok, Chonburi, Rayong, and Chanthaburi. This has raised concerns about potential clustered outbreaks during the summer months.

Ms. Lalida explained that hepatitis A is a contagious disease transmitted through contaminated food and water, primarily via "feces-to-mouth" transmission. Common sources include undercooked food, substandard drinking water, or ice. Initially, symptoms may be mild, such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea, but they can become more severe, with jaundice and dark urine. Additionally, some individuals may be asymptomatic carriers who can still spread the virus.

The average incubation period of the disease is about 28 days, complicating efforts to identify the infection source. This makes controlling the disease challenging, especially in areas where people consume food from various sources.

Public health agencies have been instructed to intensify proactive case finding, monitor for cluster formations, and conduct rigorous inspections of food and water safety. These measures aim to control the situation from the outset and prevent widespread transmission.

The public is advised to follow preventive measures: consume cooked food, drink clean water, avoid ice or foods of uncertain safety, and practice regular handwashing. Ms. Lalida emphasized the preventability of hepatitis A and urged the public to exercise caution during the summer months to minimize disease spread and safeguard personal and family health.