Health department confirms three Hepatitis A cases

Submitted to Branson Globe

The Taney County Health Department (TCHD) has identified three (3) cases of Hepatitis A. These cases were not related to any food establishments or restaurants. Nationally, a Hepatitis A outbreak has been occurring since March of 2017.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, light stools and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Hepatitis A is spread when someone ingests the virus by eating contaminated food or drink or through person-to-person contact.

Since the Hepatitis A outbreak began, the virus has been spread more commonly through person–to-person contact. If you have symptoms of Hepatitis A, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Those at highest risk for acquiring Hepatitis A include:

People who use drugs

People experiencing unstable housing or homelessness

Men who have sex with men

People who are currently or were recently incarcerated

People with chronic liver disease, including Cirrhosis, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C

People with close contact to any of the populations above

The most effective way to avoid getting Hepatitis A is to practice good hand hygiene and get vaccinated. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers and preparing or eating food. The Hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective series of two shots given six months apart. Getting both shots is the best way to protect against getting Hepatitis A.

“Statewide, many of the Hepatitis A outbreak cases involve shared cigarettes, sexual contact, or illicit drug use. We want people to know that if they are in one of the higher risk groups, they should monitor for symptoms of Hepatitis A. We encourage all community members to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop,” said Tiffany Bullock, communicable disease coordinator for the Taney County Health Department.

For more information, call the Taney County Health Department Branson Office at 417-334-4544, visit www.taneycohealth.org, like it on Facebook and follow it on Instagram and Twitter.