Hepatitis A Outbreak in Missouri
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- Published on Friday, 13 September 2019 07:54
Hepatitis A Outbreak In Missouri: How to Prevent the Spread of a Deadly Disease
There have been 414 Hepatitis A outbreak-associated cases in Missouri in the last 2 years. This disease spreads when someone’s stool contaminates food or water. Once someone is infected with the disease, they may also spread it through direct person-to-person contact, mostly among IV drug users. People who are at risk for getting Hepatitis A include: drug users, the homeless, men who are having sexual contact with other men, and if you work with or are in close contact with someone who has the disease.
The best way to prevent the disease is by getting vaccinated. Anyone age 1 and up may get the vaccine. In order to prevent contraction of the disease, you must get vaccinated within 2 weeks of exposure to someone with Hepatitis A. To set up an appointment for the Hepatitis A vaccine, call the Andrew County Health Department at 816-324-3139. Visit the CDC website for more details about Hepatitis A https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm .
Public Health Registered Nurse
Jayne White
BSN, RN - Director of Clinical and Emergency Operations
Phone: 816-324-3139
Jayne White resides in the rural area of Helena, Missouri on a small farm with her family. She brings a vast array of nursing experience and has been a BSN, RN since 2011. Jayne joined the Health Department in Nov. of 2018 as the Public Health Nurse and in June 2020 took on the role of Nurse Manager for the department. She is responsible for oversight of the nursing team, nursing programs and all clinical operations, as well the co-planner for emergency preparedness of the department.
Hillary Loucks
BSN, RN - Public Health Nurse
Hillary Loucks began her experience with the Health Department as a Student during her capstone with MWSU. Remaining PRN after graduation with a BSN in 2020, she gained experience in Emergency Medicine, and Long Term Care, ultimately joining the Health Department full time in 2020. She is responsible for the Health Departments Immunization Program, Child Care Health Consulting Program, Daycare & School Health Promotions, as well as a Carseat Technician & BLS instructor for the Department.