The hepatitis A outbreak in Kentucky is now the worst in the country.
State health officials said Wednesday that at least 969 people have contracted the highly contagious liver disease, according to The Associated Press. Three of the outbreak’s six deaths were in Louisville, where 482 cases have been confirmed. The virus was first detected in Louisville in November 2017.
The disease can be spread through contact with surfaces, and food or drink contaminated by feces from an infected person. The disease has so far mostly affected drug users and homeless people, according to health officials.
Grayson County has five confirmed cases of Hepatitis A. Three of the cases were the result of intravenous drug use, and one was due to contaminated ground water, according to Grayson County Health Department Director Mindy Renfrow, with officials being uncertain what caused the county’s fifth case.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
