France - Hepatitis A outbreak 2024

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​CALVADOS: 16 CASES OF HEPATITIS A IDENTIFIED, COLLECTING SHELLFISH BANNED IN TWO MUNICIPALITIES

Milan Busignies
THE 05/24/2024 at 10:46 p.m.

This Friday, May 24, the Calvados prefecture announced the hepatitis A contamination of 16 people, possibly due to the consumption of shellfish from the production areas of Grandcamp-Maisy and Géfosse-Fontenay.

Some of the shellfish from Calvados are prohibited from collecting, marketing and consuming, the department prefecture announced this Friday, May 24, until June 8.

“As of May 24, 2024, 16 human cases of hepatitis A sharing a possible common source of exposure have been brought to the attention of health authorities,” the press release indicates.

Before adding: “The traceability investigations made it possible to determine that the consumption of shellfish from the production areas of Grandcamp-Maisy and Géfosse-Fontenay could be the origin of the transmission of the virus for a part of these cases.”

Consequently, the prefecture, in coordination with the Normandy Regional Health Agency, has put in place “reinforced health monitoring of the quality of coastal waters and shellfish production areas” located within the two localities.

“A significant viral load”

If the prefect of Calvados mentions "a significant viral load" found in the wastewater of Grandcamp-Maisy, it is specified that no trace of hepatitis A was found in the wastewater of the other wastewater treatment plants in the sector.

"As a precaution and in particular in order to be able to note a drop in viral circulation in the days to come, the prefect decides to close the shellfish production areas of Grandcamp-Maisy and Géfosse-Fontenay until June 8, and to remove the shellfish still on the market,” the statement said.

“Recreational shore fishing for all species of filter-feeding shellfish in this sector is also prohibited,” it is specified.
The prefecture recalls that “hepatitis A is subject to surveillance by Public Health France through the mandatory reporting without delay of all cases to regional health agencies”.

For symptomatic people, infection manifests as fever, asthenia (fatigue), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Sick people may also have jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes). The disease can also be asymptomatic.

https://www.bfmtv.com/normandie/cal...erdit-dans-deux-communes_AN-202405240976.html
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Hepatitis A epidemic in a Le Havre college: five new cases detected, nine people infected

Le Havre
From Lila Lefebvre

Monday June 3, 2024 at 4:07 p.m.
By France Bleu Normandy (Seine-Maritime - Eure)

Five new cases of Hepatitis A were detected in Le Havre, the Regional Health Agency said on Monday. On May 14, the ARS launched an epidemiological investigation following the discovery of the first four cases among students at the Montesquieu Sainte-Marie private college.

To date, nine cases of Hepatitis A have been confirmed in Le Havre , indicated the Normandy Regional Health Agency on Monday. On May 14, the ARS launched an epidemiological investigation following information indicating several cases concerning children attending the Montesquieu Sainte-Marie college in Le Havre.

“In total since May 14, nine cases have been declared, including five in students in the same class and one case in another establishment ,” indicates the Regional Health Agency. The first four patients are 12-year-old students from the same sixth grade class, from Montesquieu Sainte-Marie college. “ Investigations are continuing to identify the origin of these cases; no secondary transmission has been noted to date.”

“Each of these cases has been the subject of recommendations and reinforced hygiene measures have been put in place at the establishment level in order to avoid transmission ,” conclude the health services.

The epidemiological investigation continues

For its part, the establishment indicated last week to France Bleu Normandie that it had also put in place hygiene measures: hydroalcoholic gel is distributed to all students at the entrance to the school, but also at the beginning and at the end of each course. In his letter to families, the head of the establishment ensures that classrooms, toilets and equipment are cleaned several times a day.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease that is spread through contaminated hands or food. The Regional Health Agency specifies that it recovers spontaneously and without after-effects in the majority of cases . However, there can sometimes be serious forms, especially for adults. There are between 1.5 and 3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants each year, but the most affected are those under 16 years old .

https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/san...s-detectes-neuf-personnes-contaminees-5636135