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KNOX COUNTY, Tennessee (WVLT) – The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) said it was witnessing an increase in hepatitis A cases related to the epidemic throughout the state.
According to a statement from KCHD, the rate of reported cases has accelerated recently. Since March 1, nine more cases have been reported, which, according to the Ministry of Health, represents a 90% increase.
A total of 19 cases have been reported since the report was sent on March 27th.
"The current outbreak continues to affect primarily central Tennessee and many eastern Tennessee communities surrounding Knox County," said KCHD Director Martha Buchanan. "Although Knox County has not experienced the high number of cases in other areas, it is important that we, as a community, do everything in our power to prevent our recent rise from inflating. "
KCHD said that hepatitis A is a highly transmissible disease. It is transferred from person to person by the "fecal-oral" route and usually occurs when an infected person does not have his or her hands after using the bathroom, then touches food, a surface or the mouth of another person.
A person with hepatitis A can be contagious before the onset of his symptoms and even after his recovery, KCHD said.
"Unfortunately, most of us know someone who fights addiction, so we need the community to get involved and use their voice to encourage their friends and family." his family likely to be part of a high-risk group to get vaccinated, "added Buchanan.
sYMPTOMS
– vomiting
– Diarrhea
– dark urine
– Fever
– tired
– Abdominal pan
– jaundice
– Loss of appetite
KCHD said that hepatitis A is a preventable infection through vaccination. According to the report, for most adults, hepatitis A disappears in two months, but can be serious or even life-threatening. Sixty-two percent of Tennessee cases were hospitalized and six patients died.
Vaccines are available at KCHD centers, which you can find here. The Department of Health recommends calling in advance to schedule an appointment at 865-215-5070.
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