Health Department investigates two Washtenaw hepatitis A cases

submitted by Washtenaw County Health Department

In light of two new local cases of hepatitis A, Washtenaw County Health Department is reminding community members to make sure they have been vaccinated against hepatitis A. The two-dose vaccine series is highly effective at preventing infections. Vaccination is recommended for everyone, especially anyone at increased risk of illness or who works in certain occupations where infection could spread to large numbers of people. Vaccination and good hand-washing practices can help prevent the spread of illness.

In the past week, two unrelated cases of hepatitis A have been identified in Washtenaw residents. Both cases were likely exposed to the virus during international travel. No common sources of food, beverages, or drug use have been identified as a potential source of infection. Because the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with hepatitis A may be similar to other common illnesses, the Health Department is sharing information to alert residents to the possibility of local infections

Since 2020, only eight cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Washtenaw residents, including the two recent cases. Wastewater surveillance in Ann Arbor indicates a spike in hepatitis A virus detection during the last week of January. This sharp increase may represent the virus being shed by the individuals who have already been diagnosed, or there may be additional cases of hepatitis A that have not been detected or reported yet.

“We know that most Washtenaw County adults are not vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus,” says Laura Bauman, MPH, epidemiology program manager for the Washtenaw County Health Department. “We want everyone to know that the spread of this potentially serious illness is preventable through vaccination and good hand washing.

“The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated,” continues Bauman. “This vaccine is highly effective and is now routinely recommended for children starting at 1 year old. If you’ve never been vaccinated, now is a great time to schedule a vaccine and make sure you’re protected.”

Because the virus spreads through the feces (poop) of people with hepatitis A, proper hand washing is vital in stopping its spread. Washing hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and before handling food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. Hand sanitizer does not kill the hepatitis A virus.

Where to get vaccinated

If you have health insurance, contact your health care provider or pharmacy for the hepatitis A vaccine. The Washtenaw County Health Department can provide hepatitis A vaccination to anyone without health insurance, with Medicaid, or who cannot get it elsewhere. Please call 734-544-6700 to schedule.

Vaccination is recommended for anyone not already vaccinated, and especially recommended for:

• People at higher risk of exposure to hepatitis A, including:
  • International travelers
  • Men who have sex with men
  • People with a history of substance abuse
  • People currently homeless or in transient living
  • People in correctional facilities
• People with underlying liver disease
• Food service workers
• Healthcare workers or first responders
• Anyone who may have been exposed to hepatitis A

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus, and 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.

Most infections result from contact with an infected household member or sex partners. Sometimes, infection results from food or drink that is contaminated with the virus. It is not spread through coughs or sneezes. Anyone who has hepatitis A can spread it to others for one to two weeks before symptoms appear.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain or tenderness, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Most children under six years old do not experience symptoms. Symptoms typically appear two to six weeks after exposure. Individuals with symptoms should stay away from others and seek medical care, especially if they are often in high-risk situations where they could spread illness to others (food workers, healthcare workers, etc.).

Resources

• Washtenaw County Health Department: Hepatitis A webpage (Washtenaw.org/StopHepA), order form for requesting free hand-washing promotional materials
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Hepatitis A webpage

Washtenaw County Health Department

The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700. The Health Department also provides frequent social media updates (@wcpublichealth) and sends regular email updates; sign up at http://bit.ly/WCHD555.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.