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Health authorities of Oakland County were alerted on Thursday that a participant of the Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly, Michigan, had a confirmed case of hepatitis A and was ill while he was there. attended the festival on September 1st.
It is strongly recommended that people who participate and work at the festival on September 1st and 2nd receive a vaccine against hepatitis A before Saturday, September 15th, if they have not been vaccinated.
"Vaccination can prevent the disease if it is administered within 14 days of potential exposure," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, Health Officer in the Health Division. "If you attended the Michigan Renaissance Festival during these dates and you have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A or have no sudden symptoms, contact your doctor."
Participants unable to be vaccinated before September 15 are advised of symptoms of hepatitis A such as sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, and vomiting often followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Symptoms can appear 14 to 50 days after exposure, but on average about a month.
The Oakland County Nurse On Call Phone Line at 1-800-848-5533 will be open Friday, September 14 from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. to answer calls. The Health Division will also host two special hepatitis A vaccination clinics:
- Friday, September 14 from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm at North Oakland Health Center, 1200 Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac.
- Saturday, September 15 from 10 am to 2 pm at North Oakland Health Center, 1200 Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac.
"We are still struggling with a serious and continuing hepatitis A outbreak both locally and across the state. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can range from a mild illness of a few weeks to a serious illness that can last for several months, "said Stafford. "Vaccination, good hygiene and good surface sanitation can prevent the spread of hepatitis A."
The Michigan outbreak of hepatitis A began in August 2016. To date, 886 outbreaks have been reported in eight out of ten patients requiring hospitalization.
28 deaths have been reported.
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