Hundreds hospitalized in Russian Hepatitis A outbreak
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-12 12:58

Some 461 people, including 117 children, have been hospitalized in a Hepatitis A outbreak in southwest Russia's Tver region, the Interfax news agency reported.

The outbreak is believed to have been caused by a local beer, produced by the Rjevpivo brewery. Sales of the beer have been suspended as a result.

A nurse examines a blood sample. Some 461 people, including 117 children, have been hospitalised in a Hepatitis A outbreak in southwest Russia's Tver region. [AFP/File]

"It is expected that for another few days about 40 people will contract the disease daily, and then the number will start to decline," Tver Governor Dmitry Zelenin told reporters.

Officials said earlier that the newly hospitalized were in better condition than those who fell ill a few days before, in an indication that the illness is now being diagnosed in its early stages.

Seven people have already been released from hospital, gubernatorial spokesman Igor Gmyza was quoted as saying by the RIA-Novosti news agency.

A number of cases have also been recorded in Moscow and the western province of Smolensk.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection of the liver.

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