New hepatitis A numbers show scope of outbreak in KY

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- The state released updated hepatitis A numbers that put into statistical perspective the scope of the outbreak in Kentucky, which is the worst in the nation.

To date, the state says there have been 1,628 reported cases.

Eighty-six of the state’s 120 counties have reported cases.

A total of 919 people have been hospitalized due to hepatitis A and 13 people have died.

The Top 5 counties with the most confirmed cases are:

1.  Jefferson County  (599 cases)

2.  Boyd County  (158 cases)

3.  Carter County  (121 cases)

4.  Whitley County  (64 cases)

5.  Bullitt County  (57 cases)

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Although rare, hepatitis A can cause death in some people.

Hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. Hepatitis A can also spread from close personal contact with an infected person such as through sex or caring for someone who is ill.

Older children and adults typically have symptoms. If symptoms develop, they can appear abruptly and can include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stools
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Most children younger than age 6 do not have symptoms when they have hepatitis A. When symptoms are present, young children typically do not have jaundice but most older children and adults with hepatitis A have jaundice.

If symptoms occur, they usually start appearing 4 weeks after exposure, but can occur as early as 2 and as late as 7 weeks after exposure. Symptoms usually develop over a period of several days.

Symptoms usually last less than 2 months, although some people (10%–15%) with hepatitis A can have symptoms for as long as 6 months.

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. To get the full benefit of the hepatitis A vaccine, more than one shot is needed. The number and timing of these shots depends on the type of vaccine you are given.

Practicing good hand hygiene – including thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food – plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.