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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has issued a public health alert regarding a statewide outbreak of hepatitis A.
Since April 2018, 65 cases of acute infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV) have been reported. These cases are all people who have recently experienced a situation of homelessness, unstable housing and / or addictions.
One person died as a result of his infection.
Of the 65 cases of hepatitis A, 45% are in Boston and a growing number in other cities, including the Southeast and Boston metro areas.
"We have seen an upsurge in cases of hepatitis A, with epidemics reported in at least 10 other states in similar populations, constituting thousands of cases nationwide," said the public health commissioner Monica Bharel. "As part of our state-wide response here in Massachusetts, we are turning to all local health departments to encourage and support their efforts to provide education and vaccines to people at home. risk.
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Image / National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
"There can be misconceptions about the different types of hepatitis," said Dr. Catherine Brown, state epidemiologist. "Infection with hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination and a dose of vaccine can provide substantial protection. It can also be avoided by proper hand washing, especially after using the toilet and before eating. There is no specific treatment for infection with hepatitis A; most healthy people recover on their own. "
Hepatitis A is spread primarily through fecal-oral contact that can be associated with life in unsanitary conditions and poor hygiene. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), gray stools and urine dark.
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