Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Grzesiowski said that the number of hepatitis A infections has doubled compared to the same period last year.
"At this time last year, we had around 50 cases; currently, the number is twice as high," he added.
Hepatitis A, commonly known as infectious jaundice, is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The disease spreads primarily through contaminated food or water, often due to poor hygiene.
The virus has an incubation period of up to eight weeks, and symptoms can be mild or even unnoticeable.
"People may not even realize they are infected, as symptoms can be limited to stomach pain or feeling unwell for a day or two," Grzesiowski explained.
Authorities have been working to contain the outbreak, vaccinating around 500 people in the Lubuskie region.
However, not everyone has been willing to get the vaccine. "Some individuals offered vaccination simply do not show up. I urge people to accept this preventive measure," Grzesiowski said.
The number of new reported cases is declining, but health officials estimate it will take at least two months from the last reported case before the outbreaks can be considered fully contained.
'Flu wave is gradually subsiding'
Grzesiowski also provided updates on other infectious diseases, reporting a 30-percent decrease in flu cases compared to early March, with nearly 70,000 cases recorded by March 9.
"This is good news. The flu wave is gradually subsiding, and we don’t expect any major surprises," he said.
Infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have also dropped by 30 percent over the past week, while cases of whooping cough remain significantly higher than last year but have fallen fivefold compared to peak levels recorded in late 2023.
Grzesiowski cautioned that while whooping cough cases are currently declining, the situation may change later in the year.
"Last year, infections peaked between September and December, so we need to remain vigilant," he said.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP