Hepatitis An epidemic in Massachusetts kills 1, makes sick another 64

The state of Massachusetts has issued a public health alert as a result of an outbreak of hepatitis A cases that has resulted in one death and 64 other cases since April. Forty of these cases were reported during the last two weeks of August and the first two weeks of September, and about 45% of cases occurred in Boston.

According to Monday's announcement, the vast majority of cases have been reported in the homeless community or in patients with substance abuse disorders, such as outbreaks reported in other states.

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Hepatitis A is a preventable liver disease by vaccination, usually transmitted from person to person by faecal-oral route or by consumption of contaminated food or water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most patients experience fatigue, poor appetite, upset stomach, nausea and jaundice. Symptoms usually disappear within two months.

"There can be misconceptions about different types of hepatitis," said Dr. Catherine Brown, state epidemiologist, at MassLive.com. "Infection with hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination and a dose of vaccine can provide substantial protection. This can also be avoided by proper hand washing, especially after using the toilet and before eating.

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The State Public Health Department urges local health authorities to work closely with community groups that provide services to homeless people and drug users to make vaccines available to those most at risk. Officials said that many patients also showed signs of hepatitis C infection, making their condition more serious.