HEPATITIS A OUTBREAK

Jefferson County currently has 5 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A

Indiana is one of several states experiencing a Hepatitis A outbreak. Currently there have been 896 confirmed cases in Indiana linked to the outbreak, including 2 deaths in Indiana. Jefferson County currently has 5 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A and expect that number to grow due to pending cases.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK DURING THIS OUTBREAK?

Although anyone can get hepatitis A, those most at risk in this outbreak are:

• People who use illicit drugs (injection and non-injection)

• Homeless individuals

• Those who are in jail or prison

• Men who have sex with men

• Close direct contacts of at-risk individuals (living in the same household, sexual contact, sharing needles or “works”)

WHAT IS HEPATITIS A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable, communicable disease. It is usually transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or through contaminated water. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting a few months. Symptoms of hepatitis A usually appear 15-50 days after someone is infected and can include:

Abdominal Pain

Fever Dark Urine

Nausea Vomiting

Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)

Pale Stools

Loss of Appetite

Joint Pain

Diarrhea

Fatigue (extreme tiredness)

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT HEPATITIS A?

GET VACCINATED!!!!! The Hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective at preventing Hepatitis A. It is a two-dose series, with a minimum of six months required in between doses. If you believe you have been exposed to Hepatitis A or are homeless, use illicit drugs, were recently incarcerated, or had contact with someone who has Hepatitis A, contact your healthcare provider or Local Health Department about Hepatitis A vaccine. Good handwashing with soap and running water, especially before preparing food and after using the restroom, can also help prevent the spread of Hepatitis A.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE SYPTOMS?

Anyone who has symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact a healthcare provider immediately and should not prepare food for others. A doctor can confirm is someone has Hepatitis A with a blood test. People with symptoms should not attend work or school while ill.

WHERE CAN I GET VACCINATED IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, INDIANA?

The Jefferson County Health Department, 715 Green Road, Madison, IN 47250 will be offering Hepatitis A vaccines Monday thru Friday 8am-4pm as long as the outbreak continues. (Closed Government Holidays) The Jefferson County Health Department accepts most private medical insurances. If you have no medical insurance you may qualify for the free adult vaccine program. If you have private Medical insurance that we are unable to bill the fee is $45.00 per dose cash or check only. Please call 812 273-1942 with any questions.

Most pharmacies and medical providers also provide the Hepatitis A vaccine. Interested individuals would need to contact their preferred medical provider or pharmacy to find out their charges.

To help stop the spread of Hepatitis A the Jefferson County Health recommends everyone be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.