An outbreak of hepatitis A has spread into a second north Alabama county and now numbers 17 confirmed cases in Jackson and DeKalb counties, state public health officers said today.
There have been no deaths and “people generally do recover,” State Medical Officer Dr. Karen Landers said, but the disease causes many uncomfortable symptoms. Those symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. They also include dark urine and jaundice.
The cases so far come from known risk groups such as illegal drug users, homeless or transient people, people in close contact with anyone with hepatitis A and men with same-sex partners. Others can also become infected by contact with contaminated food, drink or objects used by an infected person.
“As the outbreak continues to grow, we need to make sure everyone knows the importance of getting vaccinated and hand washing,” said Medical Officer Dr. Karen Landers.
A vaccine is available, and Landers urged people who might be at risk to contact free clinics, urgent care centers or their county health department.