Hepatitis A: What You Need to Know
Did you know the Ohio Department of Health declared a statewide community outbreak of hepatitis A?
From January 5, 2018 through October 1, 2018 there has been 538 cases of hepatitis A throughout the state of Ohio. In Cuyahoga county there has been 9 cases of hepatitis A.
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable highly contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can range from a mild illness to a severe illness lasting months. Hepatitis A spreads when a person unknowingly ingests fecal matter (even in microscopic amounts) from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the stool of an infected person. Hepatitis A can also be spread through close personal contact with an infected person.
Who is at an increased risk of developing hepatitis A in this outbreak?
- People with direct contact with someone who has hepatitis A
- People who use street drugs; both injection and non-injection drugs
- People who are incarcerated
- People experiencing homelessness
- People who have traveled to other areas of the United States currently experiencing outbreaks (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia)
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Joint pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Can hepatitis A be prevented?
Yes! The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
Contact your healthcare provider if…
- You believe that you are at high risk for hepatitis A infection.
- You know that you have been exposed to someone with hepatitis A.
- You are experiencing symptoms of hepatitis A.
Tags: department of health, disease, hepatitis a, liver, ohio, outbreak, vaccination, vaccine, virus