Esther Monzón, Minister of Health for the Government of the Canary Islands, confirmed on Friday the discharge of the two children hospitalized due to the hepatitis A outbreak detected at a nursery school in Gran Canaria. Monzón assured that all epidemiological control protocols are being implemented and that the six children affected by the outbreak are in good health.
The outbreak has affected six minors to date. The first case was detected two weeks ago in a student at the center, leading to five additional infections. The exact origin of the initial case remains unknown, although it is confirmed that the others stemmed from it.
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, facilitating its spread in early childhood due to inadequate hand hygiene. In children, the illness is typically mild, presenting symptoms such as diarrhea, general malaise, loss of appetite, jaundice, and fatigue. The two hospitalized children required only two days of admission.
This disease is uncommon in the Archipelago due to sanitary control of water supplies, wastewater treatment, and food hygiene measures. However, infections have increased in recent years, with 69 cases reported in 2025, 59 in 2024, and 17 in 2023. So far this year, 32 cases have been reported, including the six from the current outbreak. Some of these diagnoses correspond to imported cases but have not originated outbreaks in the islands.
Vaccination against hepatitis A is not part of the Spanish vaccination schedule, as prevention relies on sanitary control, hygiene, and environmental health measures. Two vaccines are available from one year of age, typically used for close contacts of outbreaks and at-risk groups. Canary Islands is the only autonomous community offering this vaccine to minors traveling to areas with high endemicity.
As part of the control measures, Public Health has vaccinated over 60 nursery school students, along with caregivers and family members, totaling around 80 immunized individuals. Currently, no new infections have been detected among those under surveillance. These individuals have been advised to seek medical evaluation for compatible symptoms and to report their status as contacts of a hepatitis A case.
