NC confirms the first death related to hepatitis A following an outbreak



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The Health Services Department of North Carolina Health confirmed a death Tuesday related to a local outbreak of hepatitis A.

By the end of October, 64 cases of hepatitis A had been reported in the state, 37 of which related to the epidemic. The ministry said the death occurred in October and gave no further details.

20 cases were reported in Mecklenburg County, more than in any other county in the state. In June, the state advised anyone who ate at a Charlotte Hardee restaurant for a period of 10 days to be vaccinated.

As an indication, on average, 41 cases of hepatitis A have been reported annually in North Carolina from 2013 to 2017.

More than 70% of the cases reported in 2018 led to hospitalization.

"The best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A is to get vaccinated," said Dr. Heidi Swygard, medical director of viral hepatitis in the DHHS Public Health Division. "Good hand washing is also important, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing or eating food. Anyone who thinks they have been infected or exposed should consult a doctor. "

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