What We Know:
The national hepatitis A outbreak covers 29 states and nearly 24,000 cases.
Since the outbreaks have been identified in 2016, cases have led to over 14,300 hospitalizations and caused 236 deaths. Currently, public health emergencies have been declared in Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
While the CDC is monitoring the outbreaks, people should have an awareness of the symptoms.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- Yellow Skin or Eyes
- Feeling Tired
- Loss of Appetite
- Upset Stomach or Stomach Pain
- Vomiting
- Dark Urine or Light-Colored Stool
- Joint Pain
- Fever
- Diarrhea
Who It Affects:
Anyone who is not vaccinated can be infected. Once contracted, the virus infects the liver and is spread through the feces of people who have contracted the virus.
- People infected are contagious two weeks before showing symptoms, and not everyone infected will show symptoms.
- The virus can spread from objects, food, drinks and, according to the CDC, primarily among people using drugs or living in poor sanitary conditions.
- In high-risk environments like restaurants, hospitals and schools, good hygiene is critical for prevention.
For general information, the CDC’s hepatitis A outbreak fact sheet is a great resource.1