Northern Kentucky Joins Nationwide Hepatitis A Outbreak

The Northern Kentucky Health Department (NKY Health) said in a press release it ‘strongly encourages hepatitis A vaccination for all Northern Kentucky residents.’

This outbreak notice is a result of the increased number of hepatitis A cases in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties during July and early August 2018.

Since January 2018, over 50 cases of hepatitis A and 1 death have been reported in Northern Kentucky.

Of particular concern is a confirmed case of hepatitis A that has been diagnosed in an employee who handled food at the Newport Syndicate, 18 East 5th Street, Newport, KY, when he/she was infectious, which included the dates of July 25 through August 11, 2018.

This vaccination recommendation includes patrons who live in Northern Kentucky or across the Ohio River, in greater Cincinnati.

This location is within 1 mile from the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengal stadiums.

As of July 19th, the Cincinnati Health Department confirmed 5 hepatitis A cases, with 6 additional potential cases.

While it is relatively uncommon for restaurant patrons to become infected with the hepatitis A virus due to an infected food handler, anyone who consumed food or drinks at Newport Syndicate during the stated time period is advised to get a hepatitis A vaccination.

“With the outbreak occurring,  we are strongly encouraging the vaccine for all adults. In this way, your entire family can have protection against this infection and help eliminate the spread of hepatitis A in Northern Kentucky” said Dr. Lynne Saddler, District Director of Health at NKY Health.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can cause loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, stomach pain, brown-colored urine, light-colored stools, and diarrhea. Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) may also appear. People may have some or none of these symptoms.  

If symptoms of hepatitis A infection develop, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately and stay at home until given further instructions by their doctor.

Previously, during November 2017, the Kentucky Department for Public Health declared a statewide outbreak of hepatitis A. Since then, more than 1,300 cases have been reported in the state compared to an average of 20 cases per year.

The nationwide hepatitis A outbreak began in Michigan during 2016.

Currently, the states of Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia are reporting widespread hepatitis A outbreaks

Vaccination is effective in protecting an individual from becoming infected if received within two weeks of exposure to the virus. If it has been longer than two weeks, vaccination is still recommended for future protection.

An amendment to the Kentucky Administrative Regulation added new immunization requirements beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.

Effective July 1, 2018, all students in kindergarten through 12th grade must show proof of having received two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine.

The hepatitis A vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart.

Most pharmacies in the USA offer hepatitis vaccines. To request a vaccination appointment, please visit this page.

The CDC Vaccine Price List displays current HAV vaccine contract prices and general information.  

And, vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.

For more information, visit www.nkyhealth.org.