|
September 14, 2018 I News Release
The Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) issued a health advisory about an attendee of the Michigan Renaissance Festival (Holly, Michigan) who has a confirmed case of hepatitis A and was ill while attending the festival on September 1. The OCHD strongly recommends those who attended and worked at the festival on September 1, September 2 and September 3 be vaccinated within 14 days. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have not been vaccinated for hepatitis A.
People who attended the festival on:
- Sept 1 can be protected if they receive vaccination by Saturday, September 15.
- Sept 2 can be protected if they receive vaccination by Sunday, September 16.
- Sept 3 can be protected if they receive vaccination by Monday, September 17.
LEARN MORE about Hepatitis A
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a serious, highly contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the feces (poop) of people with hepatitis A. It can cause damage to the liver and other health problems. Hepatitis A can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Illness can appear 15-50 days after exposure and can last for several weeks. Not all people infected with hepatitis A experience symptoms.
How is it spread?
The hepatitis A virus is spread by the fecal-oral route (ingesting contaminated food or water). Hepatitis A is not spread by sneezes or coughs. People who think they may have been exposed should call their doctor immediately.
What are the symptoms?
- nausea and vomiting
- belly pain
- feeling tired
- fever
- loss of appetite
- yellowing of the skin and eyes
- dark urine
- pale-colored feces
- joint pain
Who is at risk?
People who are at the highest risk include:
- People with a history of substance use.
- People currently homeless or in transient living.
- Men who have sex with men.
- People incarcerated in correctional facilities.
- Food handlers.
- Health care workers.
- People with underlying liver disease.
- People who are in close contact with any of the above risk groups.
How can hepatitis A infection be prevented?
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper and before eating or preparing food.
- Do not share towels, toothbrushes and eating utensils.
- Get vaccinated with two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine. Contact your primary care physician or pharmacy for availability.
Media Contact:
Kristina Wieghmink, Public Information Officer
Ottawa County Department of Public Health
kwieghmink@miottawa.org or (616) 494-5597
 Flu season is starting:
Get your flu vaccine!
|
|
