Due to an out pouring of comments, our focus on this post is to respond to the questions and concerns over the Hepatitis A Outbreak/Vaccination post.
Over 100 reported Hepatitis A cases have been confirmed in the state of Missouri.
Butler County has confirmed 71 cases of Hepatitis A.
59% of those cases have been hospitalized; with an average hospital stay of 3.5 days.
The ages have ranged from 13-67 years old.
Of the people infected, 66.2% self-identified as a drug user and 18.3% self-identified as close personal contacts of someone who uses drugs.
15.5% have been unknown.
Precautions should be taken by everyone in the county who fit the criteria.
The criteria for the HAV vaccine would be any adult or youth who are close personal contacts to Hepatitis A cases, and/or people who use drugs and their close personal contacts. Also, any child ages 1-19 years old.
This vaccine is not MANDATORY but is RECCOMMENDED.
If you choose not to vaccinate please be educated on the universal precautions to keep you and your family from coming into contact with this virus.
Preventative measures to protect yourself and those around you from spreading this virus include proper handwashing before eating and after using the restroom. Also avoid eating or drinking after someone experiencing any symptoms.
Symptoms can vary from 15-50 days. HAV symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), abdominal pain, fatigue, and/or pale colored stool. If symptoms continue too long, hospitalization can occur.
If you have a high risk of exposure to Hepatitis A, come in for your free education/vaccination!
Local health officials have notified school administration a child who attends Poplar Bluff Junior High has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A. The student is receiving medical treatment from a health care provider.
The R-1 Nursing Department has no reason to suspect that anyone else has been compromised by the virus, which was contracted outside of the education environment. The risk of student to student transmission is LOW!
All common spaces of the school facility have been disinfected by custodial staff as a preventative measure. Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
Butler County Health Department will be offering vaccination clinics to students, people who use drugs, and close personal contacts to people who use drugs through Friday, April 13. Hours of operation run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and will be extended to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, and Thursday, April 12.The most common form of hepatitis in the United States is Hepatitis A and is vaccine-preventable.
Butler County is currently experiencing a Hepatitis A Outbreak, in light of this issue, we are asking that you review your child’s immunization record to see if he or she can receive their Hepatitis A vaccine today! Walk-ins are welcomed. For additional information, please contact us!
April 6, 2018 Hepatitis A Update
Through Butler County Health Department’s (BCHD) investigative process, 68 Hepatitis A cases have been reported; 70% of cases have self-identified as people who use drugs, while 16% of cases identified as close personal contacts of people who use drugs. 59% of cases required hospitalization, with ages ranging from 13-67. 83% of cases reported as unemployed, while 14% reported currently employed. If you or your loved ones have been potentially exposed to an individual experiencing HAV signs or symptoms, message or visit the BCHD for HAV education/vaccination today!
Hepatitis A Information for Food Establishments
Hepatitis A Update
Food Service Establishments
As of April 2, 2018, there are Eighty-six (86) Hepatitis A cases in Southeast Missouri. Cases have been identified in the following counties Butler-66, Carter-1, Dunklin-2, New Madrid-1, Ripley-3, Scott-2, and Stoddard-11. 4 Hepatitis A cases have been identified in food handlers that worked while potentially contagious; 2 of the 4 have been in Butler County. Butler County’s totals 66 of the 85 cases; 71% self-identified as people who use drugs, while 15% identified as close personal contacts of people who use drugs. The age range of cases reported is 16-68.
If you have any employees at risk due to using drugs or having close personal contact to people who use drugs, he or she can receive Hepatitis A vaccine for free at Butler County Health Department.
Prevention of the spread of Hepatitis A includes proper handwashing, glove usage, and enforcement of wellness policy. Employees exhibiting any signs or symptoms listed below need to be excluded from work related duties, per your wellness policy guidelines.
Signs or Symptoms of Hepatitis A includes:
- Fatigue
- Sudden nausea and/or vomiting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side of the abdomen
- Pale or clay colored bowel movements
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Dark urine
- Joint pain
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
- Intense itching
Thank you,
Michael Osborn
Environmental Health Specialist IV
(w): 573-785-8478
(c): 573-776-4310
(e): michael.osborn@lpha.mo.gov
Hepatitis A Outbreak
