Reno County, Kansas – March 24, 2021 – The Reno County Health Department, along with other local healthcare providers, have identified seven cases of Hepatitis A within Reno County residents since January 2021. This represents an increase from the two cases that were reported for all of 2020. Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). The Hepatitis A virus is found in fecal matter and blood of those infected. The virus is usually spread through close personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink. The majority of Reno County cases have been diagnosed in individuals with a reported history of drug use.
Common symptoms of the disease include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and fever. Symptoms usually last less than two months. While most people get better on their own, some people require hospitalization. In rare cases, death can occur. There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A. If you have symptoms of Hepatitis A, contact your medical provider or a local clinic. Your contacts should be vaccinated to prevent the spread of this contagious disease. If you do not have symptoms, but are concerned about contracting it, check with a medical provider about vaccination.
The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is to be vaccinated with the full, two-dose series. People recommended to receive Hepatitis A vaccine include children aged 12-23 months and those at an increased risk for infection. Contact your medical provider or the Reno County Health Department at 620-694-2900 to schedule vaccination.
In addition to vaccination, the best ways to prevent infection are by washing your hands after bathroom usage, changing a diaper, and before preparing and eating food.
CDC Hepatitis A Fact Sheet- http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/pdfs/HepAGeneralFactSheet.pdf