In a follow-up on the hepatitis A outbreak in Kentucky, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has identified 448 confirmed cases of acute hepatitis A since Aug. 17.
Of this total, 315 people (70%) required hospitalization for their illness. The number of fatalities has risen to four.
Kentucky declares hepatitis A outbreak
In November 2017, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) identified an outbreak of acute hepatitis A. The increase in cases observed in Kentucky was well over the 10-year average of reported hepatitis A cases, and several cases have been infected with HAV strains genetically linked to outbreaks in both California and Utah.
Similar to hepatitis A outbreaks in other states, the primary risk factors remain homelessness and illicit drug use. A contaminated food source has not been identified, and HAV transmission is believed to be occurring through person-to-person contact.
KDPH is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments to provide guidance and education to health professionals and at-risk populations. Treatment for acute hepatitis A generally involves supportive care, with specific complications treated as appropriate. Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease.
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