Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) strongly recommends those who
attended and worked the festival on September 1, September 2, and September 3 get a hepatitis A
vaccine if they have not been vaccinated.
Those who attended on:
-
September 1
can be protected if they receive vaccination by Saturday, September 15.
-
September 2
can be protected if they receive vaccination by Sunday, September 16.
-
September 3
can be protected if they receive vaccination by Monday, September 17.
Please note Oakland County Health Division is not open on Sunday, September 16th. The hepatitis A vaccine is also available
through some healthcare providers and many pharmacies. Call ahead to ensure
your provider or pharmacy has the vaccine available.
The Michigan Renaissance Festival has added additional handwashing
stations in an abundance of caution, and continues working with OCHD.
Oakland County Health Division Public Health Advisory
Hepatitis A Exposure at the
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Sept. 13, 2018, Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland
County Health Division was alerted this evening that an attendee of the
Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly, MI has a confirmed case of hepatitis A
and was ill while attending the festival on September 1. It is strongly
recommended that those attending and working the festival on September 1 and
September 2 get a hepatitis A vaccine by Saturday, September 15, if they have
not been vaccinated.
“Vaccination can prevent the disease if given within 14 days after
potential exposure,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for the Health
Division. “If you have attended the Michigan Renaissance Festival during these
dates and have not been vaccinated for hepatitis A or have a sudden onset of
any symptoms, contact your doctor.”
Attendees unable to get vaccinated by September 15, are advised to be
aware of hepatitis A symptoms such as sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea,
headache, dark urine, and/or vomiting often followed by yellowing of the skin
and eyes (jaundice). Symptoms may appear from 14-50 days after exposure, but
average about one month.
Oakland County’s Nurse on Call hotline, 1-800-848-5533, will be open on
Friday, September 14th from 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. to answer calls. The
Health Division will also host a special
Hepatitis A vaccine clinic:
- Friday,
September 14, 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road,
Building 34 East, Pontiac.
-
Saturday, September 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the North
Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac.
“We are still experiencing a serious, ongoing hepatitis A outbreak both
locally and statewide. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can range
from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several
months,” said Stafford. “Vaccination, good hygiene, and proper sanitation of
surfaces can prevent the spread of hepatitis A.”
The hepatitis A vaccine is also available through some healthcare
providers and many pharmacies. Call ahead to ensure your provider or pharmacy
has the vaccine available. Vaccines are available at both Health Division
offices in Pontiac and Southfield at the following addresses:
- North Oakland Health
Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
- South Oakland Health Center,
27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield
Regular clinic hours are Mondays, noon – 8 p.m. and Tuesdays through
Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pre-payment and registration are not available at
these walk-in clinics.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. The virus is
shed in feces and is most commonly spread from person to person by unclean
hands contaminated with feces. To reduce the risk of hepatitis A:
- Get
the hepatitis A vaccine.
- Wash
hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and
before preparing and eating food. Rub hands vigorously with soap and warm
running water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean
and disinfect all surface areas, especially while someone in the household or
workplace has symptoms. Particular care needs to be taken with areas such as
toilets, sinks, trash, door knobs, and faucet handles.
- Do
not prepare food if you have symptoms and refrain from food preparation for at
least three days after symptoms have ended.
- Exclude
ill food service workers from the establishment immediately until clearance
from OCHD is received.
The hepatitis A vaccine consists of two doses, given six months apart
and costs $52 per adult dose and $38 per child dose. No one will be denied
access to services due to inability to pay. A discounted / sliding fee schedule
is available. Everyone will be assessed for eligibility for free vaccine
through the adult vaccine program.
If you have insurance, check with your healthcare/insurance provider for
possible benefit coverage. The Health Division participates in the Vaccines for
Children (VFC) Program which offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children
up to 18-years-old. Payment options include cash and credit card. Credit card
fees apply. Bring all insurance and identification cards to the clinic.
For more information about hepatitis A, visit www.oakgov.com/health. Nurse on
Call is available at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com, Monday through Friday,
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For up-to-date public health information, follow
@publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY: Please contact Leigh-Anne Stafford, health
officer for Oakland County Health Division, at 248-858-1410.
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