WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Health Department wants to let the community know about availability of hepatitis A vaccines. Kosciusko County has seen an increase of hepatitis A cases, although the case count remains less than five for 2018, so far. Kosciusko County usually sees rates of one or less per year. The increasing rates of hepatitis A disease on the national and state levels warrant a consideration of hepatitis A vaccination.

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, “Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. It is generally transmitted via fecal-oral routes or through consumption of contaminated food or water.” Individuals can contract the virus through contact with:

• Foods prepared or served by an infected person(s)
• Stool or blood of an infected person(s)
• Inanimate objects that may have trace amounts of fecal material from hand contact
• Shared syringes or “works” used to inject drugs

Symptoms vary greatly, from severe to none at all, and may include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, fever, stomach ache, dark (cola) colored urine and light colored stools. Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin) may appear a few days after the onset of these symptoms. Individuals can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. Most people who get hepatitis A feel sick for several weeks, but they usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage.

However, hospitalization and, in rare cases, death can occur.

Hepatitis A is a two-hot series given six months apart. Hepatitis A is a required school vaccine for the 2018-2019 school year for K-4, sixth grade, and for high school seniors. It is a recommended vaccine for all school age children.

The Kosciusko County Health Department Clinic has several options available to provide vaccines. The Vaccines for Children program covers children who are uninsured, underinsured or have Medicaid.

There is a similar adult program except it is for uninsured or underinsured, but hepatitis A vaccine under this program is currently unavailable at KCHD, because at state level doses are reserved for those involved in outbreaks. There is also a program in cooperation with Vaxcare that allows many people with insurance to obtain their vaccines at KCHD. Adult Hepatitis A vaccine is available for purchase for those that do not fit into other categories.

If anyone has specific questions about getting vaccines please call KCHD Clinic at (574) 267-7028.