Hepatitis A outbreaks reported in Alba County, Romania

Two active outbreaks of hepatitis A have been identified in Alba County, Romania, specifically in the municipality of Alba Iulia and the locality of Valea Lungă. The Alba Public Health Directorate (DSP Alba) has confirmed a total of 23 cases.

In the Lumea Nouă neighborhood of Alba Iulia, a community outbreak has resulted in 18 confirmed cases. Health authorities identified 96 contacts, though only 11 have accepted vaccination, with three others currently in the process of being vaccinated. The second outbreak in Valea Lungă involves five confirmed cases and 36 identified contacts, 23 of whom have already been vaccinated.

The confirmed cases primarily affect children and young adults: three are aged 0–4, ten are aged 5–9, seven are aged 10–14, one is aged 15–19, and two are aged 20–24. One of the outbreaks is located near educational institutions.

Health officials are urging the population to maintain strict hygiene, including thorough handwashing and food safety, to prevent the spread of the virus, which is transmitted via the fecal-oral route through contaminated water, food, or direct contact.