Contact with infected animals and the consumption of undercooked pork and wild animals increase the risks of transmission of hepatitis E (HEV) to humans, warned the governor of the North-Central region on Thursday where the communes of Pissila and Kaya are experiencing an outbreak of this disease.
Another less viral HEV stereotype can also be transmitted to humans by other animals such as horses, cats, dogs, sheep, goats, cattle and poultry, added Colonel-Major Blaise Ouédraogo.
Burkina Faso Information Agency
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‘Following press release No. 2024-010/MATDS/RCNR/GKYA/SG of June 14, 2024 informing the population of the appearance of an outbreak of hepatitis E cases in the communes of Pissila and Kaya and inviting populations to exercise caution and strict compliance with health and public hygiene measures, new elements establish that there is indeed a risk of zoonotic transmission of the hepatitis E virus.
This means that the virus can be transmitted to humans through contact with
infected animals or by eating contaminated meat.
The presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been demonstrated in foodstuffs derived from pork, such as liver.
Likewise, wildlife, such as wild boars and deer, represent an important reservoir of HEV.
In addition to cases of hepatitis E transmitted through contaminated pork and wildlife, another less viral HEV stereotype has been discovered that can also be transmitted by other animals.
These include horses, cats, dogs, sheep, goats, cattle and poultry.
Faced with this situation, it is important to take preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus.
The populations of the communes of Pissila and Kaya are invited to scrupulously follow the following recommendations:
– Avoid direct contact with the reservoir of potential HEV animals;
You must protect yourself by wearing a suitable suit before any contact with potential animal reservoirs of the hepatitis E virus;
Cook pork foods thoroughly
?Ensure that pig premises facilities are adequate and well
maintained to avoid contamination of water and food by feces;
? Dispose of waste properly.
The governor of the North-Central region, Colonel-Major Blaise Ouédraogo.
Source: Burkina Information Agency