MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Hepatitis in Punta Arenas.

Eight cases of hepatitis have been confirmed in the last two weeks in Punta Arenas. The Regional Officer of the Epidemiology and Statistics Unit Eduardo Velasquez said that so far this year 13 cases of hepatitis A have been reported compared to 17 during the whole of 2002.

"Of the eight cases, five correspond to isolated contagion while the other three can be described as an epidemic outbreak as of August 29", indicated Mr. Velasquez.

The three cases occurred in a Punta Arenas Children's Home with a universe of 90 children under 15.

As an immediate prophylaxis reaction gamma globulin was administered to all the children at the Home, but "we're now giving them the anti-hepatitis vaccine because it has longer lasting effects", added Mr. Velasquez who admitted that unfortunately "hepatitis is endemic in Chile".

The other five cases were reported in rural areas, in two homes of poor families with many children with ages ranging from two months to twelve years.

"The Punta Arenas Home is under control, however we're concerned about the outbreak in the rural area, in neighbouring homes because of the concentration of children and the extremely poor sanitary conditions", said Mr. Velasquez.

The hepatitis A virus rapidly spreads through contaminated food and/or water, and is particularly serious among babies and children.

"We're closely monitoring the families involved and helping them with diapers, soap and other basic hygiene elements, but the absence of quality drinking water is the main problem", pointed out Mr. Velasquez.