Yucatan Reports 9.8% Increase in Hepatitis A and B Cases in 2024

Hepatitis A and B cases in Yucatan have risen 9.8% in 2024, totaling 157 confirmed cases as of October, surpassing the 143 cases reported during the same period last year. This increase underscores the urgent need for improved sanitation, vaccination, and public health awareness to curb the spread of these diseases, according to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) of the Ministry of Health.

The report reveals that 130 individuals have been diagnosed with hepatitis A and 27 with hepatitis B in Yucatan so far this year. These figures significantly surpase those in neighboring states Quintana Roo and Campeche, which have reported 68 and 7 cases, respectively. 

Health authorities predict that the total number of cases for 2024 will exceed the 163 cases recorded in 2023. This sharp increase raises concerns about the growing burden on local healthcare systems, the urgent need for increased vaccination efforts, and improved sanitation practices to control the spread of these diseases.

According to the Department of Health New York State, Hepatitis A and B are viral infections that cause liver inflammation, but they differ in transmission, severity, and long-term effects. Hepatitis A is an acute infection spread primarily through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with fecal matter. While it often resolves without medical intervention, recovery provides lifelong immunity. Typical symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, and diarrhea.

In contrast, hepatitis B can manifest as either an acute or chronic infection, spreading through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or maternal transmission during childbirth. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer if untreated. Symptoms include fever, weakness, upper abdominal pain, jaundice, and digestive issues.

Effective prevention is essential to combat the rising hepatitis cases. For hepatitis A, preventing the virus relies on improved sanitation, food safety, and vaccination. include access to safe drinking water, proper sewage disposal, and promoting hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing before meals and after using the bathroom, as advised by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Vaccination is essential in preventing hepatitis A and B, as both diseases pose significant health risks. Inactivated hepatitis A vaccines offer robust protection and are widely accessible. Similarly, hepatitis B prevention relies on a series of childhood vaccinations, supplemented by booster doses for individuals in high-risk groups. This dual approach underscores the importance of immunization in reducing the burden of these preventable diseases.

Public health campaigns remain a cornerstone in the fight against hepatitis. The WHO emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about liver health through events like World Hepatitis Day, which aim to raise awareness about liver health. These campaigns emphasize the importance of testing, vaccination, and early treatment, equipping the public with essential knowledge to combat the spread of hepatitis.

Yucatan’s current outbreak is not an isolated event. In 2022, the state witnessed a nearly 170% increase in cases, reaching 328 confirmed— the highest in five years, according to the Yucatan Times. That year, a new hepatitis case was identified every 27 hours, far outpacing the national trend, which saw a 58% increase with 10,540 cases reported across Mexico.

The rise in hepatitis cases is not limited to Mexico. Globally, both cases and related deaths have escalated, as reported by MBN. According to an April 2024 report by the WHO, inadequate diagnosis and treatment are major contributors to this trend. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked, "Despite progress globally in preventing hepatitis infections, deaths are rising because far too few people with hepatitis are being diagnosed and treated."