Cases of hepatitis A have been increasing across the Pennsylvania, and state health officials on Monday declared an outbreak, largely because the designation makes additional resources available, according to the state Department of Health.
Pennsyvlania is among several states that have declared hepatitis A outbreaks at varying levels, according to Health Department Spokesman Nate Wardle.
Pennslyvania has recorded 171 cases since January 2018, Wardle said, which is similar to what’s being reported in several neighboring states, Wardle said. Some states, however, such as Ohio and Kentucky, are seeing significantly higher number of cases - about 2,000 each.
For the state health department, the decision to declare an outbreak wasn’t promped by number of cases, Wardle said. Instead, the department will use the determination to provide extra money for mass vaccination efforts and other resources, should they be needed.
According to data provided by the health department, around 3-10 cases of hepatitis A were being reported each month from January 2018 to August 2018. Since then, there have been 10 to 15 new cases reported each month. Sixteen cases were reported in March 2019, according to the data.
Wardle said the cases of hepatitis A are not being seen in the general population, but rather specific groups. People who are using illegal drugs and use needles to inject drugs, and those who are homeless are at risk.
Wardle said most people received the hepatitis A vaccination as a child. If you believe you weren’t vaccinated, are in one of the at-risk populations or are a caregiver of someone who is at risk, it is recommended that you get the vaccine.
Those with hepatitis A don’t always show symptoms, Wardle said. For those who do, symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, jaundice and light colored stools, Wardle said.
If you believe you might have hepatitis A, calling your primary healthcare provider is recommended, Wardle said. The diagnoses can only be made with a blood test.
Wardle said there is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, so people who do get it are told to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and avoid alcohol before taking any medications.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, contact 1-877-PA-HEALTH to find a state health center nearest you where you can be tested and monitored.
[URL="https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/hepatitis-a-outbreak-declared-in-pa-officials.html"]https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/0...officials.html[/URL]
Pennsyvlania is among several states that have declared hepatitis A outbreaks at varying levels, according to Health Department Spokesman Nate Wardle.
Pennslyvania has recorded 171 cases since January 2018, Wardle said, which is similar to what’s being reported in several neighboring states, Wardle said. Some states, however, such as Ohio and Kentucky, are seeing significantly higher number of cases - about 2,000 each.
For the state health department, the decision to declare an outbreak wasn’t promped by number of cases, Wardle said. Instead, the department will use the determination to provide extra money for mass vaccination efforts and other resources, should they be needed.
According to data provided by the health department, around 3-10 cases of hepatitis A were being reported each month from January 2018 to August 2018. Since then, there have been 10 to 15 new cases reported each month. Sixteen cases were reported in March 2019, according to the data.
Wardle said the cases of hepatitis A are not being seen in the general population, but rather specific groups. People who are using illegal drugs and use needles to inject drugs, and those who are homeless are at risk.
Wardle said most people received the hepatitis A vaccination as a child. If you believe you weren’t vaccinated, are in one of the at-risk populations or are a caregiver of someone who is at risk, it is recommended that you get the vaccine.
Those with hepatitis A don’t always show symptoms, Wardle said. For those who do, symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, jaundice and light colored stools, Wardle said.
If you believe you might have hepatitis A, calling your primary healthcare provider is recommended, Wardle said. The diagnoses can only be made with a blood test.
Wardle said there is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, so people who do get it are told to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and avoid alcohol before taking any medications.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, contact 1-877-PA-HEALTH to find a state health center nearest you where you can be tested and monitored.
[URL="https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/hepatitis-a-outbreak-declared-in-pa-officials.html"]https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/0...officials.html[/URL]