The Provincial Health Authority of Crotone, through constant epidemiological monitoring conducted by the Prevention Department, has detected some cases of Hepatitis A in the provincial territory in recent days. This is a situation which, although not in the nature of an emergency, requires particular attention from citizens and the rigorous adoption of correct hygiene and health practices. The HAV virus infection, which affects the liver, is in fact transmitted mainly via the fecal-oral route through the consumption of contaminated water or food, making prevention at the table the main tool for protecting public health.
Recommendations for safe food consumption and hygiene
In this scenario, the ASP of Crotone strongly recommends avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, with particular reference to mussels and oysters, which historically represent one of the critical vectors of transmission. Boiling the shellfish for at least five minutes is the only procedure capable of inactivating the virus, just as it is essential to purchase these products exclusively from authorized retailers who guarantee their traceability. Equal caution must be paid to fruit and vegetables, which must be carefully washed under running water before being brought to the table, and to personal hygiene, with frequent hand washing which remains the first barrier against viral spread.
The speech of the General Director Antonio Graziano
The General Director of the ASP of Crotone, Antonio Graziano, intervened on the issue and wanted to reassure the population by underlining the importance of individual responsibility: “The surveillance activity implemented by our offices is widespread and extremely effective – declared Director Graziano – and there is no reason for alarm. However, conscious collaboration on the part of every citizen is essential. The prevention of Hepatitis A inevitably involves compliance with strict hygiene rules and a careful choice of food. We invite therefore the community to pay maximum attention to the cooking of seafood and the origin of the products, avoiding unofficial sales channels that cannot ensure the necessary health checks and constant attention to daily habits are our strongest safeguards today”.
Vaccination prevention and prophylaxis
Finally, the Health Authority reminds you that, for subjects belonging to risk categories or in case of doubts about the symptoms, the invitation is to contact their general practitioners or the Vaccinal Services of the Prevention Department to evaluate the opportunity of vaccination prophylaxis, which constitutes a proven effective and safe tool to combat the infection and protect the community.