As reported Wednesday night, a Grayson County resident has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.
Grayson County Health Department Director Mindy Renfrow confirmed the diagnosis late Wednesday afternoon. Renfrow said officials are working to determine how the person contracted the virus.
Thursday morning, and after being inundated with calls at the health department, Renfrow said that the infected individual does not work in the food service industry or any job associated with the public. Renfrow stressed that if the person did work in an industry that came into regular contact with the public that information would have been released.
She stated that there is no danger to the general public due to the person being infected with the Hepatitis A virus.
In the next two to three weeks, the Grayson County Health Department will host a Hepatitis A vaccination clinic, according to Renfrow, and the clinic dates and times will be publicized in advance.
Most of the population under the age of 18 have been vaccinated against the virus, according to Renfrow, and older people should check to see if they received the vaccine when they were younger. Renfrow stated that Leitchfield Pediatrics has been giving Hepatitis A vaccines since 2004.
For the last few weeks, health officials have recommended people in nearby Hardin, Bullitt, and Jefferson Counties, as well as Greenup, Carter and Boyd Counties receive vaccinations. Over 350 people in Kentucky have been diagnosed with the virus, with three deaths attributed to Hepatitis A.
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
