Officials: Ohio has an epidemic of hepatitis A, but this is not new

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – According to the Ohio Department of Health, a newly declared outbreak of hepatitis A would circulate in the state, apparently as a result of a recent case involving an employee of a restaurant.

An outbreak of hepatitis A was declared last summer. Department spokesman J. C. Benton said on Monday that the epidemic was continuing, but no further outbreaks have been reported and there is no new cause for concern.

The ministry says that more than 1,600 cases have been reported throughout the state since January 2018. It urges those considered at high risk of contracting the disease to consider vaccination.

Neighboring states have also witnessed outbreaks of hepatitis A.

The disease is transmitted by oral contact with feces, even in microscopic amounts. It attacks the liver and causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, fever and jaundice.