Water source suspected in hepatitis A cluster in Chon Buri

The Disease Control Department has launched an investigation into a cluster of hepatitis A infections after 55 employees at a factory in Chon Buri were diagnosed with the disease.

Dr Jurai Wongsawat, a spokesperson for the department, said today that an initial investigation suggests the cluster may be linked to a contaminated drinking water dispenser in the factory canteen, located about 20 metres from a garbage dump.

However, water samples taken from the dispenser have not found any traces of the virus, she added.

So far this year, 672 hepatitis A cases have been reported, or about one case per 100,000 people, which is higher than the average infection rate over the past five years.

Most infections have been found in the 30–39 age group, with the highest numbers reported in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Rayong, Pathum Thani and Chanthaburi.

Dr Jurai said hot weather is not a direct cause of infection, but sharing drinking glasses and poor hand hygiene can increase the risk of contracting the disease.

To reduce the risk of infection, the department advises people to wash their hands regularly, eat properly cooked and clean food, avoid sharing drinking vessels, dishes, cutlery and other utensils, and avoid crowded places.