INDIANAPOLIS – The hepatitis A outbreak that spread from Kentucky to southern Indiana has reached the Indianapolis area with a few Central Indiana cases included in the 77 cases confirmed this year.

Most of Indiana’s cases of the highly contagious infection fall in the southern part of the state, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. But Hendricks County has also seen fewer than five cases related to the outbreak, according to state health officials.

In Kentucky, which first noted the outbreak in November, the caseload has reached 400 and has been linked to illicit drug use and homelessness. The Kentucky cases have been linked to similar outbreaks in California and Utah.

Normally Indiana sees an average of 20 cases a year. About half of those who have fallen ill this year have been hospitalized. No one has died.

A virus that causes the liver to become inflamed, hepatitis A usually resolves on its own in a few weeks, without any permanent damage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Occasionally it can lead to liver failure or death, especially in older people or those with underlying health conditions.

The virus can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, jaundice, joint pain, dark urine, and clay-colored stools, said Kandi Jamison, assistant director of public health nursing at the Hendricks County Department of Public Health.

While a hepatitis A vaccine exists – and is required for Indiana school children third grade and younger – many adults have not received the vaccine, first made available in the United States in 1995.

In light of the outbreak, health officials recommended that everyone undergo the two doses of vaccine required for full immunity. Most healthcare providers and pharmacists offer the vaccine.

“It only takes two doses and you’re protected for life,” Jamison said.

While the disease often can be transmitted by infected people handling food with their bare hands, which have been contaminated with the virus, an infected person may also contaminate any object that he or she touches.

So Jamison also recommends people practice good hand hygiene to decrease their risk.

“Think of a gas handle, every time you go to pump gas, or a grocery cart. There are so many objects that people touch,” Jamison said.

In addition, Jamison encouraged anyone who sees a food handler working with bare hands to speak up and make sure that the handler dons the necessary protective gloves before proceeding.

Source: IndyStar