Now entering its fourth month, the outbreak of Hepatitis A in the state has now affected 400 Kentuckians, according to the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
Health officials say most of the cases are in the Louisville metropolitan area, with northeastern Kentucky also experiencing a large number of cases. There have been three deaths reported.
As reported last week by K105.com, a Grayson County resident has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A. The person affected is not a food service worker, or a worker in any industry that comes into contact with the public. Officials continue to investigate how the person contracted the virus.
In response, the Grayson County Health Department will offer vaccines against the virus on Monday from 12:30 until 3:30 and again on Wednesday from 12:30 until 5:00. The health department is located at 124 E. White Oak Street.
Most insurance carriers cover the vaccine, health department director Mindy Renfrow said, but if your insurance does not cover the shot, or if you do not have insurance, the cost of the vaccine is $10.
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that infects liver cells and cause inflammation, according to the Mayo Clinic. The inflammation can affect how your liver works and cause other signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A.
The Mayor Clinic says the virus most commonly spreads when someone eats or drinks something contaminated with fecal matter, even tiny amounts. It does not spread through sneezing or coughing.
Some specific ways the virus spreads are:
- Eating food handled by someone with the virus who doesn’t thoroughly wash his or her hands after using the bathroom
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating raw shellfish from water polluted by sewage
- Being in close contact with a person who’s infected – even if that person is displaying no symptoms
- Having sex with someone who has the virus
Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A include jaundice, dark-colored urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and fever.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
