“Yellow fever” cases in Tashkent schools: Will classes go online?

Cases of viral hepatitis A - "yellow fever" - have been detected among students in secondary schools No. 214 and 65 in the Mirabad district of Tashkent. What measures are being taken to prevent the spread of such viral diseases among schoolchildren, or will schools be closed now? QALAMPIR.UZ came to the Sanepidemiological Committee to find answers to such questions.  

According to Dilfuza Hikmatova, head of the Tashkent city department of the Sanepidemiological Committee, hepatitis A has been registered in these schools for the third time since the beginning of the year.  

"It should be emphasized that this was not detected during one incubation period, but in different classes during different incubation periods," she said.  

The specialist answered the following about the condition of the students infected with hepatitis A and the treatment they are receiving:  

"The condition of the infected students is currently satisfactory, they have been prescribed special treatments by an infectious disease specialist. Currently, urgent measures are being taken in general secondary schools to prevent the disease, and the necessary instructions are being given to eliminate the deficiencies identified in schools on the spot," said Dilfuza Hikmatova.  

The specialist also stated that in such cases, schools should not be closed for quarantine, but only if more than three students in one class are diagnosed with viral diseases, classes in that class can be moved online.  

For information, hepatitis A is one of the most widespread infectious diseases and is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. The incubation period and the average duration of the illness are 30 days. Hepatitis A usually presents with fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Most patients recover spontaneously within 2-6 months. This distinguishes it from hepatitis B and C.