NORTH-CENTER — Amidst an outbreak of hepatitis E in the communes of Pissila and Kaya, the governor of the North-Central region has issued a stark warning regarding the consumption of undercooked pork and contact with wild animals.

Following the June 14, 2024 press release from the governor's office, Colonel-Major Blaise Ouédraogo highlighted the zoonotic transmission risks of hepatitis E virus (HEV). The virus has been found in pork-derived food products, particularly liver, and wildlife such as wild boars and deer are significant reservoirs. The governor emphasized that another less viral HEV stereotype could also be transmitted by horses, cats, dogs, sheep, goats, cattle, and poultry. Given these findings, residents of Pissila and Kaya are strongly advised to avoid direct contact with these animals, wear protective clothing during such contacts, thoroughly cook pork, ensure sanitary conditions in pig facilities, and properly dispose of waste to prevent environmental contamination.