Hepatitis A outbreak in Kyiv: sources of infection identified
13 May 21:26
In Kyiv, residents could have been infected with hepatitis A through water from pump rooms, water supply interruptions, or eating low-quality food. These three versions are currently being checked by experts, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing Suspilne.
Director General of the Kyiv City Center for Disease Control and Prevention Serhiy Chumak said that his staff took samples in pump rooms, schools, and even lakes.
“We are constantly recording isolated cases of viral hepatitis, but there have been no mass cases. The last time there was an outbreak in Kyiv was in 2015,” Chumak said.
What preceded it
In May 2025, an outbreak of hepatitis A was reported in Kyiv, centered in the Vidradny neighborhood of Solomianskyi district. As of May 13 , 40 cases of the disease had already been registered, 23 of which were children.
The first cases were reported on May 8, after which the number of cases increased rapidly. Specialists from the Kyiv City Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted an epidemiological investigation, identifying more than 200 contact persons, among whom 18 more cases were confirmed.
Preliminary tests of water from pump rooms, school shelters, and centralized water supply did not detect the hepatitis A pathogen. However, the investigation is ongoing, including possible violations of hygiene standards during repairs at pump rooms.
Due to the outbreak, six educational institutions have been switched to distance learning. Medical workers are visiting families of those infected to conduct examinations and provide recommendations.
What you need to know about hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, in particular through the consumption of contaminated water or food, as well as poor personal hygiene. The incubation period lasts from 14 to 28 days. Symptoms include fever, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, darkening of the urine, and jaundice.
For prevention, it is recommended to adhere to hygienic standards, drink boiled or bottled water, and get vaccinated.
The most effective method of prevention is vaccination. In Ukraine, vaccines against hepatitis A are available, such as the monovalent vaccine Havrix or the combined vaccine Twinrix. Vaccination is recommended for everyone who has been in contact with patients, especially during the first 14 days after possible infection.
Hepatitis A vaccination is not included in the national vaccination schedule, but is available in pharmacies at your own expense.
Experts hope to localize the outbreak within a few weeks, provided that the source of infection is identified, contact persons are vaccinated and sanitized.
Where else in Ukraine is hepatitis A being recorded?
In addition to Kyiv, cases of Hepatitis A are reported in Cherkasy and Zakarpattia regions. Epidemiologists in these regions are currently working to identify what caused the disease. There is no outbreak or epidemic.
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