Dozens infected in Hepatitis A outbreak in northeast Alabama

by WTVC

Tue, April 16th 2019 at 11:52 AM

Updated Thu, April 18th 2019 at 8:12 AM

Images: iNews/CDC

JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) says there is currently a hepatitis A outbreak in several northeast Alabama counties.

It says since September 1st of last year, there have been 26 confirmed cases of hepatitis A in Jackson County, and 19 confirmed cases in DeKalb County. There have been a total of 51 cases throughout the state in that same time frame.

As of April 16th, the ADPH says there are 22 active cases in Jackson County and 12 cases in DeKalb County.

Unlike similar, recent cases in Tennessee and Georgia, the ADPH has not pinpointed an exact location, such as a restaurant, for the source of the outbreak.

In a March 23 release, the Chattanooga - Hamilton County Health Department said there had been 129 cases in the county since May 2018. As of April 15, however, that number has risen to 148 cases.

Vaccines have intensified in light of the outbreak in Alabama, and the Jackson County Department of Emergency Services says a coordinated vaccine effort will get underway next month.

Felix Jackson, Jackson County EMA director, says all Jackson County jail employees and inmates have already been vaccinated.

In addition to close contact to known hepatitis A cases, individuals may be exposed via an infected food handler at a restaurant, drug paraphernalia, jail or prison, homeless/transient living, oral/anal sex, or unvaccinated individuals who fail to wash their hands.

Jackson says his department and the ADPH will hold a joint news conference about the situation on May 9th to discuss the county's response plan.

Hepatitis A vaccination offers full protection against hepatitis A infection from all exposures listed above, whether the infected individuals have symptoms or not.

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for anyone who participates in high-risk behaviors listed above and their contacts, and/or anyone who would like to protect themselves from the risk of infection. ADPH focuses on vaccinating high-risk persons or uninsured persons. Persons at low risk for hepatitis A who may wish to be vaccinated may contact their healthcare provider or pharmacy. Many health insurance plans cover hepatitis A vaccinations at physicians’ offices and pharmacies.

“Hepatitis A vaccination and proper hand washing will significantly reduce the spread of this virus in these counties and are important measures to protect the community,” said Medical Officer Dr. Karen Landers.

After being exposed to someone sick with hepatitis A, symptoms may appear from 15 to 50 days later. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine or jaundice. If persons, family or friends are experiencing any of these symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

To reduce the spread of hepatitis A disease, especially in Northeast Alabama:

Get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Wash your hands frequently;

Before, during, and after preparing food
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up after a person who has used the toilet
After touching garbage
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
Do not share drug paraphernalia, cigarettes, food, drinks, eating utensils, towels or toothbrushes.