Hepatitis A cases in Spain have increased six-fold, prompting calls for children to be immunised against the disease.

A growing number of Spanish parents are calling for their children to be immunized against hepatitis A, following an alarming increase in the confirmed cases.

Malaga’s province has seen a six-fold increase in the number of confirmed cases of hepatitis A among children aged under 15 in the last five years.

Data from the regional ministry of health show that in Andalucia as a whole, cases are up 700 per cent from 2020. From eight cases in 2020 to 64 by 2025.

The rapid increase in vaccinations is alarming to those who know. Experts of the Spanish Pediatricians Association CAV-AEP (Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunizations) have called for the vaccination of babies aged between 12-15 months and other children that are not yet vaccinated.

At the moment, only Catalunya as well as Ceuta (and Melilla) offer routine vaccinations for hepatitis A.

“Until recently, Spain had low endemicity for hepatitis A. Therefore, vaccination was only recommended to risk groups. With these three exceptions,” said Dr Francisco Alvarez.

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“However the increase in cases over the past two years in many regions forces us to enhance epidemiological surveillance and prevention through vaccination.”

Experts blame the current increase on low child vaccination rates, as transmission is easier among younger people due to their less developed hygiene habits. 

The Junta’s Health Ministry said that the hepatitis A vaccination is not included in the current vaccination schedule. The protocol that is used when an outbreak has been declared includes, among other things, vaccinating the close contact.

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A causes inflammation of liver.

According to World Health Organisation, the disease can cause mild or severe illness.

Hepatitis is spread by ingestion of contaminated foods and water, or direct contact with infectious persons.

Symptoms of yellow skin and eyes, no appetite or vomiting, stomach pains, fever, diarrhea, and dark urine are all possible.

Nearly everyone who has hepatitis A is cured and gains a lifetime of immunity.

It is recommended that you get vaccinated if you have any of the following: you have been exposed to an infected individual recently, you have had a liver disease for a long time, you have hemophilia (a blood-clotting disorder), you are a male who has sexual relations with men or you work in a position where you are at risk.

In Africa, Asia, Middle East, Central and South America, and parts of Africa and Asia, this disease is more prevalent.

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