Hepatitis A in Kentucky has now claimed over 2,000 victims since the outbreak began in November 2017, according to the state health department’s latest report.
The outbreak continues to grow, particularly in south and eastern Kentucky, and the most recent data shows a record 87 cases reported between September 23 and 29. Eighty-three cases were reported the following week, September 30 through October 6.
Carter County has the highest incident rate with more than four cases per 1,000 people. Other counties with more than two cases per 1,000 people are Boyd, Elliott, Martin, Montgomery, and Whitley Counties. All six of those counties are in the eastern or southeastern section of the state.
Fourteen people have died as a result of the outbreak, and 1,126 people have been hospitalized.
As of September 11, Grayson County has had 14 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A, according to Grayson County Health Department Director Mindy Renfrow, as there were eight confirmed cases in the county between August 1 and September 11.
Renfrow said the “majority” of Hep A cases in the county are the result of IV drug use. One case of Hep A was blamed on the victim drinking contaminated ground water.
None of the 14 cases involve workers in the food service industry.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
