|
The hepatitis A outbreak is still occurring in Michigan with
new cases identified and reported every week.
There have been over 850 outbreak related cases since August 2016. With fair and festival season in full swing, hepatitis
A should not be part of the experience. The
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) wants to remind everyone it is
important to stay vigilant and help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get
vaccinated. Vaccines are available from
a healthcare provider or local
health department and for some individuals at little or no cost. They may even be available at some fair and
festival locations.
MDHHS and local health departments are continuing additional
outreach and vaccination efforts on the following high-risk groups:
- Persons who are in transient
living conditions or experiencing homelessness
- Persons who are incarcerated
- Persons who use injection and
non-injection illegal drugs
- Persons who work with the
high-risk populations listed above
- Persons who have close contact,
care for, or live with someone who has hepatitis A
- Persons who have sexual activities
with someone who has hepatitis A
- Men who have sex with men
- Travelers to countries with high
or medium rates of hepatitis A
- Persons with chronic liver
disease, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
- Persons with clotting factor
disorders
Things you can do to prevent the spread of hepatitis A:
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A
- Wash your hands after using the restroom
and before eating or preparing meals for yourself or others
- Use your own towels, toothbrushes,
and eating utensils
- Do not have sex with someone who
has hepatitis A infection
- Do not share food, drinks, drugs,
or smokes with other people
- If you think you may have
hepatitis A, see your medical provider
- If you have hepatitis A, cooperate
with your local public health to help protect others
Don’t let hepatitis A spoil summer fun. For more information on hepatitis A in
Michigan, check out the Michigan Hepatitis A Outbreak
website. There are also free
resources that can be used for posting and distribution.
|
