The Reno County Health Department warned this week of a spike in Hepatitis A virus cases in the county.
Reno County health officials are warning about a marked increase in Hepatitis A cases within the county since January.
The county has already recorded seven cases for the year. That compares to just two cases reported for all of 2020.
The majority of cases, officials stated in a news release, have been diagnosed in individuals with a history of drug use.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). The virus is found in fecal matter and blood of those infected. The virus usually spreads through close personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink.
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 the disease, check with a medical provider about vaccination.
The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated with the full, two-dose series. People recommended to receive the 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.
Click here for a CDC Hepatitis A Fact Sheet.
Source: Hutch News
