The probable cause of the hepatitis A outbreak in Kyiv has been identified
21 May 16:45
An outbreak of hepatitis A has been reported in Kyiv’s Solomyansky district, with the probable cause being contaminated water in the water supply network. This was announced by the chief state sanitary doctor of the capital, Serhiy Chumak, on the air ofSuspilne.Studio, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to him, laboratory tests of tap water conducted by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection showed an excess of ammonia and low residual chlorine.
“After analyzing the situation, we can assume that the outbreak was caused by a single ingress of contaminated water into the water supply system,” said Chumak.
Currently, the water quality in the neighborhood is being tested daily, and it already meets sanitary standards.
In addition, according to Chumak, it is planned to conduct a monitoring study of all water supply wells to identify where the problem could have arisen.
At the same time, the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection is checking the caterer in educational institutions, as all the sick children received food from the same private contractor.
An outbreak of hepatitis A has been reported in Kyiv, concentrated in the Vidradny neighborhood of Solomianskyi district. As of May 21, 2025, 76 cases of the disease have been registered, 35 of which are children. There are 48 patients, including 21 children, undergoing inpatient treatment.
Response measures
Experts check the water quality in the neighborhood on a daily basis, and it currently meets state sanitary standards. It is planned to monitor all water supply wells to identify possible sources of contamination.
Recommendations for residents
Health officials urge Kyiv residents to follow good personal hygiene practices, wash their hands thoroughly, boil water before drinking, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of hepatitis A, such as fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, darkened urine, and jaundice.
The hepatitis A virus is transmitted mainly through contaminated water or food and can persist in the environment for a long time. The incubation period usually lasts 14-28 days.
The city authorities continue the epidemiological investigation and are taking measures to localize the outbreak.
