BEIRUT — The Health Ministry announced in a report on Tuesday that Lebanon has recorded 555 Hepatitis A cases since the beginning of 2022.
Here’s what we know:
• In a statement also issued Tuesday, the Health Ministry said that when a Hepatitis A case is reported to the ministry, it sends the tests to a laboratory in France and follows up with individuals who may have been in contact with the person who contracted the illness.
• The ministry also said that when someone is diagnosed with Hepatitis A, the ministry asks the person to remain in isolation until they have fully recovered. It added that the isolation period can be spent at home if the patient has mild symptoms, but more severe symptoms require hospitalization.
• The Health Ministry added that those who were in contact with someone who has tested positive for Hepatitis A, should be contacted and if they have symptoms should isolate and be tested for the illness.
• According to the World Health Organization, Hepatitis is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct bodily contact with an infectious person. Almost everyone recovers from Hepatitis A with a lifelong immunity, according to the WHO.