Hepatitis A, sometimes a foodborne illness, is on the rise in the state of Michigan, prompting state officials to encourage people to get vaccinated. In recent months, reported cases have skyrocketed eight-fold. Just how many cases have there been? According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, between Aug. 1, 2016, and March 21, 2017, there have been a shocking 107 cases of lab-confirmed Hepatitis A in the state, though the spike in cases seems to be centered on areas around Detroit, including Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.
Hepatitis A, sometimes a foodborne illness, is on the rise in the state of Michigan, prompting state officials to encourage people to get vaccinated. In recent months, reported cases have skyrocketed eight-fold. Just how many cases have there been? According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, between Aug. 1, 2016, and March 21, 2017, there have been a shocking 107 cases of lab-confirmed hepatitis A in the state, though the spike in cases seems to be centered on areas around Detroit, including Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.
The rise is hepatitis A cases is also affecting older adults, rather than children because nowadays children are typically vaccinated against the disease when they’re infants. However, many adults have never been vaccinated and should take care to seek out the two injection vaccine as soon as possible to protect against the outbreak. According to the state health department, “ages of the cases range from 22 to 86 years, with an average age of 45 years. Eighty-five percent of the cases have been hospitalized with two deaths reported.”
But how long are people infectious, and what do symptoms look like? For starters, people with “hepatitis A are infectious for two weeks prior to symptom onset.” Symptoms can last anywhere between a few days to a month or two, though there have been reports of people being ill for longer. Additionally, in severe cases, it can cause liver failure and death. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Yellowing of the skin
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
Because of the spike in cases, public officials are increasing their outreach efforts to ensure the public has access to information and vaccinations. In a public notice, Eden Wells, chief medical executive of MDHHS, said, “together with our local health partners, we are increasing outreach to vulnerable populations to raise awareness and promote vaccination of hepatitis A. Those who live, work, or play in the city of Detroit, as well as Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties are urged to get vaccinated for hepatitis A and talk to their healthcare provider about their risks.”
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen an outbreak of hepatitis A, though. Back in 2016, outbreaks that “sickened hundreds of people” were “traced to frozen strawberries and frozen scallops.” At this time, concerned citizens are advised to contact their local health department with their questions and concerns.
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