ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Health department officials are reminding community members to get vaccinated against hepatitis A after confirming two unrelated cases in Washtenaw County this week.
The residents infected likely picked up the virus while traveling internationally. Common foods, beverages and drug use have been ruled out as a source of infection, officials said.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, nausea, jaundice and stomach pain and can be similar to other illnesses, according to the CDC. A two-dose vaccine has been proven to help prevent infection and is recommended.
“We know that most Washtenaw County adults are not vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus,” said Washtenaw County Health Department epidemiology program manager Laura Bauman. “We want everyone to know that the spread of this potentially serious illness is preventable through vaccination and good handwashing.”
“The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated,” she added. “This vaccine is highly effective and is now routinely recommended for children starting at one year old. If you’ve never been vaccinated, now is a great time to schedule a vaccine and make sure you’re protected.”
The virus can cause liver damage among other problems, and can present as either a mild illness or serious problem.
Officials said that most hepatitis A infections occur through contact with an infected sex partner or household members, like family or roommates. Individuals can be infected after consuming contaminated food or drinks, but the virus is not spread through sneezing or coughing.
Symptoms can begin between two to six weeks after exposure. Those infected can spread it to others between up to two weeks before showing symptoms. Children under six years old are likely to not experience symptoms, officials said.
Anyone with hepitatis A symptoms should avoid others, especially in situations where the virus could be spread easily, and contact medical professionals for care.
The virus is spread through contact with the fecal material of those infected. Health officials said that handwashing with soap and warm water, in addition to vaccination, can also help prevent spread of infection.
Hand sanitizer is not effective against the hepatitis A virus.
Vaccination is recommended for community members more at risk of contracting the infection include:
- those traveling abroad
- those who abuse drugs or have a history of doing so
- those in prison or jail
- food industry workers
- healthcare workers
- those experiencing homelessness
- men who have sex with men
- those with liver disease
Officials said wastewater surveillance during the last week of January showed an increase in hepatitis A virus detection at the City of Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant. This may indicate the virus was shed by those already infected or that additional cases of the virus have not been reported or caught.
Eight cases of the hepatitis A have been reported in residents since 2020.
Vaccines can be given by healthcare providers and pharmacies. The Washtenaw County Health Department offers the vaccine to community members who have Medicaid, those without health insurance or those who cannot find it anywhere else.
Appointments can be made by calling 734-544-6700.
Find more about the hepatitis A virus at the Washtenaw County Health Department website.