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 .