Kentucky state health officials have reported two additional hepatitis A (HAV) fatalities during the past two weeks, bringing the death toll to 14.
Since the outbreak was declared last November, Kentucky has seen 1,701 cases in 72 percent of the state’s counties. Of this total, 952 cases required hospitalization.
Jefferson County has reported the most cases statewide with more than 600 with Boyd and Carter counties each reporting more than 100 cases.
Several cases have been infected with HAV strains genetically linked to outbreaks in California, Utah and Michigan. Similar to hepatitis A outbreaks in other states, the primary risk factors remain illicit drug use and homelessness. A contaminated food source has not been identified, and HAV transmission is believed to be occurring through person-to-person contact.
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