The first fatality in Indiana following a recent outbreak of Hepatitis A has been confirmed by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH).
ISDH says the current outbreak started in November 2017 and has caused an estimated 4,000 illnesses in 10 states. More than 200 related cases have been identified in the state, though the ISDH says none have currently been identified in Wabash County. The average number of cases Indiana sees annually is estimated around 20.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease of the liver and can be transmitted person-to-person through fecal-oral routes or by consuming contaminated food or water. The most at-risk populations are illicit drug users, who comprise 70 percent of those diagnosed with the virus; the homeless, who comprise 20 percent; men who engage in sexual activity with men; and jail inmates.
Nicole Stone, foodborne and waterborne disease epidemiologist for ISDH, said the most at-risk counties in Indiana currently share a border with Kentucky.
Stone explained that the virus is not believed to be a bloodborne issue, but less sanitary conditions and close contact has helped spread the virus.
Children preparing to enter fourth grade and lower have the lowest risk of contracting the virus, as Hepatitis A vaccinations are required by state law for school admission since 2014.
Stone said there has not been an outbreak of Hepatitis A to this extent in recent years because of the effectiveness of the vaccine, but ISDH is unsure how at-risk the state is at this time.
ISDH reports more than $1 million in state and federal funds have been used to supply adult vaccinations to local health departments. The vaccine is reported to be “readily available from health care providers and pharmacies as routine preventive care.”
Those exhibiting symptoms of the virus, which include fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea and jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin, are urged to contact a healthcare provider immediately, avoid preparing food for others and avoid contact with others, according to ISDH. Illness can occur within 15 to 50 days of exposure to the virus.