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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) – Ohio has registered more than 900 cases of hepatitis A this year in an epidemic around the state and some neighboring states.
The Springfield News-Sun reports that Ohio has seen a sharp increase in the number of cases compared to recent years, while the state usually had only a few dozen cases.
People were hospitalized in almost two-thirds of the cases. One death was reported in Montgomery County.
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver that causes a lack of appetite, stomach pain and jaundice. It spreads through close contact with infected people and feces.
Homeless people and those who use illicit drugs or who have been incarcerated are considered the most likely to contract the disease.
Health officials recommend guarding against this with a vaccine and good hygiene.
Information from: Springfield News-Sun, http://www.springfieldnewssun.com
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, disseminated, rewritten or redistributed.
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