Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health has declared that the state has an outbreak of Hepatitis A, with 171 people affected in 36 counties since the start of 2018.
Dr. Rachel Levine announced the outbreak in a news release, and said that while Allegheny and Philadelphia Counties are the ones that have been hardest hit, there have been increases in the number of Hepatitis A cases across the state. Currently, Indiana County has no reported Hepatitis A, but Westmoreland county has reported a few cases. Dr. Levine said the best way to prevent Hepatitis A from spreading is through vaccination. Those at the highest risk of contracting Hepatitis A are those who encountered a person who has Hepatitis A, people who injected illicit drugs, the homeless and men who have sexual relations with other men.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A can include fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain and jaundice. Symptoms can be mild and last a few weeks, but severe infections can last several months. If you think you may be infected, call your doctor. If you are underinsured or uninsured, call 1-877-PA-Health to find a state health center near you.
