More than 600 cases and 10 counties affected in Hepatitis A outbreak in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WCHS/WVAH) — The Department for Public Health said there are more than 600 cases of Hepatitis A affecting 10 counties in Kentucky.

The department said there have been 629 cases reported with six deaths. The outbreak affects Boyd, Bullitt, Carter, Greenup, Hardin, Jefferson, McCracken, Meade, Montgomery and Warren. Each of the counties have reported four or more cases of Hepatitis A.

On Thursday, a food service worker was diagnosed in Boyd County.

The affected counties are set to receive funding for 1,000 doses of the vaccine each.

Health officials said Hepatitis A is a communicable disease of the liver caused by the virus. Most adults experience symptoms of fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain and nausea that resolve within two months of infection. The best way to prevent the infection is to get vaccinated.