Health officials in Kentucky say they are seeing a dramatic increase in hepatitis A cases when compared to previous years.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health says 31 cases of acute Hepatitis A have been reported this year, according to a report by The Associated Press. That marks a 50 percent increase over the average of 20 reported per year during the last 10 years.
Hepatitis A cases have been reported in Hardin, Hopkins, Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Henry, Anderson, Mason, Christian, Fayette, Madison, McCracken, and Leslie counties.
Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease that can cause mild to severe illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) says “the hepatitis A virus is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person.”
Almost everyone recovers fully from hepatitis A with a lifelong immunity, according to the WHO, although a very small proportion of people infected with the virus could die from fulminant hepatitis.
The WHO says the risk of hepatitis A infection is associated with a lack of safe water, and poor sanitation and hygiene (such as dirty hands).
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
