The Hepatitis A outbreak in Kentucky appears to be waning, but officials warn that it may be six to nine months before the outbreak, considered the worst in the U.S., ends.
The Grayson County Health Department (GCHD) said two weeks ago that a suspected sixth case of Hep A in Grayson County had been identified; that case has now been confirmed, according to GCHD Director Mindy Renfrow.
Four of the six cases in Grayson County are the result of intravenous drug use, according to Renfrow. One case was caused by drinking contaminated ground water.
The Centers for Disease Control said in 75 percent of the cases in Kentucky drug use was to blame for victims contracting the highly contagious liver disease, while about 16 percent have homelessness as a risk factor. Experts, though, said most of the homeless who have the disease also have drug use as a risk factor.
According to the CDC, more than 1,200 Kentuckians have reported cases of hepatitis A, with more than half of those victims being hospitalized.
As of two weeks ago, 65 of Kentucky’s 120 counties reported at least one case of Hepatitis A. That number has now risen to 73 counties in the state. But, rates of reported cases are beginning to slow, according to health officials.
Hepatitis A is transmitted by oral contact with fecal matter. It attacks the liver and causes symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, fever and jaundice.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
