http://www.indystar.com/staff/10047946/shari-rudavsky/" rel="nofollow - Shari Rudavsky , shari.rudavsky@indystar.com
Published 4:19 p.m. ET April 30, 2018 | Updated 9:01 p.m. ET April 30, 2018
The hepatitis A outbreak that spread
from Kentucky to southern Indiana has reached the Indianapolis area with
a few central Indiana cases included in the 77 cases confirmed this
year.
Most of Indiana’s cases of the highly contagious infection fall in the southern part of the state, according to the https://www.in.gov/isdh/27791.htm" rel="nofollow - Indiana State Department of Health . But Hendricks County has also seen fewer than five cases related to the outbreak, according to state health officials.
In Kentucky, which first noted the outbreak in November, the http://chfs.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/3B375F53-7122-4F27-BDBC-0C01B74193C8/0/KY17089_DIVEPIFINAL_week16.pdf" rel="nofollow - caseload has reached 400 and
has been linked to illicit drug use and homelessness. The Kentucky
cases have been linked to similar outbreaks in California and Utah.
IU report: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/04/30/changes-some-laws-might-help-combat-opioid-epidemic-iu-report-says/559503002/" rel="nofollow - See what laws should change to combat opioid epidemic
2,000+ kidney transplants: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/04/26/1-iu-health-doctor-performs-2000-kidney-transplants-he-has-better-stats-than-lebron-james/502778002/" rel="nofollow - IU doctor 's life work
Normally
Indiana sees an average of 20 cases a year. About half of those who
have fallen ill this year have been hospitalized. No one has died.
A
virus that causes the liver to become inflamed, hepatitis A usually
resolves on its own in a few weeks, without any permanent damage,
according to the https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm" rel="nofollow - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Occasionally it can lead to liver failure or death, especially in older people or those with underlying health conditions.
The
virus can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, jaundice, joint
pain, dark urine, and clay-colored stools, said Kandi Jamison, assistant
director of public health nursing at the http://www.co.hendricks.in.us/department/index.php?structureid=16" rel="nofollow - Hendricks County Department of Public Health.
While
a hepatitis A vaccine exists – and is required for Indiana school
children third grade and younger – many adults have not received the
vaccine, first made available in the United States in 1995.
In
light of the outbreak, health officials recommended that everyone
undergo the two doses of vaccine required for full immunity. Most
healthcare providers and pharmacists offer the vaccine.
“It only takes two doses and you’re protected for life,” Jamison said.
While
the disease often can be transmitted by infected people handling food
with their bare hands, which have been contaminated with the virus, an
infected person may also contaminate any object that he or she
touches.
So Jamison also recommends people practice good hand hygiene to decrease their risk.
“Think
of a gas handle, every time you go to pump gas, or a grocery cart.
There are so many objects that people touch,” Jamison said.
In
addition, Jamison encouraged anyone who sees a food handler working
with bare hands to speak up and make sure that the handler dons the
necessary protective gloves before proceeding.
Source: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/04/30/hepatitis-outbreak-spreads-central-indiana/566122002/" rel="nofollow - https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/04/30/hepatitis-outbreak-spreads-central-indiana/566122002/