WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A pair of new hepatitis A cases found in Washtenaw County have health officials reminding residents to ensure they’re vaccinated against the disease.
The two cases are unrelated, but were found in residents of the county, according to the Washtenaw County Health Department.
The exposure to the disease likely occurred during international travel, officials said. No common sources of food, beverages or drug use were connected to the infections, officials said, but close contact with another person is another way the disease can spread.
There have been eight cases of hepatitis A reported in Washtenaw County residents since 2020, including the two new cases, officials said.
However, there has been a spike in detection of the virus in Ann Arbor wastewater since the last week of January, officials said. There may be additional unreported infections due to the spike in this viral detection in the wastewater, officials said.
The disease affects the liver and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, typically last eight weeks, according to the University of Michigan.
The health department recommends that residents ensure they have received the two-dose hepatitis A vaccine series. Vaccination is recommended for everyone, officials said, including those who have a higher risk of infection including:
- International travelers
- Men who have sex with men
- People with a history of substance abuse
- Homeless people
- People in correctional facilities
- Those with liver disease
- Food service and healthcare workers, as well as first responders
- Those exposed to the disease
“We know that most Washtenaw County adults are not vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus,” Laura Bauman, Washtenaw County Health Department epidemiology program manager, said in a statement.
“The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated,” Bauman said. “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.”
The health department can vaccinate anyone without health insurance, officials said. Those interested may call 734-544-6700 to schedule an appointment.
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