San Bernardino County has seen a rash of hepatitis A cases just over the past year, county health officials said Thursday, Feb. 6.
There have been 42 confirmed cases just between Jan. 1, 2019 and Feb. 6, 2020 countywide, a statement released by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health said. By comparison, there were only three hepatitis A cases reported in the county in all of 2018, officials said, adding that clusters of cases have been specifically identified in the cities of Redlands and San Bernardino.
The disease has largely affected at-risk populations such as the homeless and drug users. Hepatitis A outbreaks began in San Diego County in 2017-2018 and were associated with the same at-risk population, officials said. While the outbreak in San Diego County subsided, clusters have continued to occur nationwide.
Health officials in San Bernardino County are urging the public to take the necessary precautions. The most effective way to prevent hepatitis A is to receive the vaccine, said Dr. Erin Gustafson, the county’s assistant health officer.
“It is also very important to wash your hands with soap and water regularly to protect yourself from this virus,” she said.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is usually transmitted from person to person through the consumption of food or water or through the fecal-oral route. The infection can also be transmitted through contaminated needles, sexual contact or poor sanitary conditions.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea and jaundice, which can resolve within two months of the infection. Most children under 6 tend not to have symptoms.
Here are some steps that can be taken to prevent hepatitis A infection:
- Get vaccinated.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing or eating food.
- Practice safe sex by always using condoms and by avoiding sex with those infected with the virus.
- Avoid sharing towels, toothbrushes or utensils with others. Avoid sharing food, drinks or cigarettes with others.
Information: 909-520-5166, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
