Alabama state health officials report investigating a hepatitis A outbreak in Jackson County in the northeastern part of the state.
Image/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
This outbreak may have spread to surrounding counties. Persons at highest risk for hepatitis A include users of illegal substances, homeless persons, and men with same sex partners.
“We are in the early stages of this investigation, but we need to make sure everyone knows the importance of getting vaccinated and taking health precautions including good hand-washing,” said Medical Officer Dr. Karen Landers.
10 Most Important Infectious Disease Stories of 2018: Outbreak News Today
The Alabama Department of Public Health emphasizes that individuals who may be experiencing homelessness, using recreational drugs, sharing drugs or drug paraphernalia, having spent time in jail or prison, or men with same sex partners need to be vaccinated against hepatitis A.
To reduce the risk of hepatitis A disease:
- Get vaccinated.
- Wash hands after using the bathroom, before preparing or eating meals, and after touching anything unclean.
- Do not share food, drinks, eating utensils, cigarettes, towels, toothbrushes or drug paraphernalia.
Related:
- Ukraine measles tally nears 50,000, 16th death reported
- Infectious disease news: Top 5 posts for the week Dec. 15- Dec. 21
- Norway reports increase in Listeriosis in December
- France reports two HUS cases, prompts recall of Reblochon
- Michigan reports two additional AFM cases
- Salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey products: 50 additional cases, one death
- Chikungunya vaccine candidate receives FDA Fast Track Designation
- Lyme disease, the Federal Tick-borne Disease Working Group and an IDSA letter with Timothy Sellati, PhD
