Health Department recommends good hand washing & vaccine to prevent spread of Hepatitis A

The Hepatitis A outbreak is ongoing in Michigan and has infected 20 adults in Washtenaw County. While there are no new cases in Washtenaw, the Health Department continues to recommend good handwashing and vaccination to prevent infection. Hand sanitizer does not kill the hepatitis A virus. 

Vaccination is available at the Health Department in Ypsilanti. Call 734-544-6700 to schedule. Residents who are uninsured, have Medicaid, or are at higher risk of exposure can receive the vaccination at no additional charge. If you have health insurance, please contact your health care provider.

Washtenaw County Health Department reminds everyone about the importance of washing their hands when enjoying summer activities and events, especially after using the restroom and before eating. Good handwashing with soap and water can prevent the spread of hepatitis A and other illnesses. Only using hand sanitizer will not kill the hepatitis A virus.

If you are hosting a public event and have questions about handwashing, sanitation, or food safety, please contact our Environmental Health Division at 734-222-3800 or zeebcss@washtenaw.org. We can help with handwashing signage or, in some cases, handwashing stations for events.

Hepatitis A is a serious, highly contagious liver disease. The virus is found in the feces (poop) of people with hepatitis A. It is spread by eating contaminated food or water, during sex, or by living with an infected person. 

Across Michigan, there have been 914 cases of hepatitis A associated with the current outbreak as of June 5, 2019. Among these cases, there have been 734 hospitalizations and 28 deaths. To learn more visit www.washtenaw.org/StopHepA.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.