Hepatitis - A Mysterious Spreading in Michigan

Michigan health officials reported twelve additional Hepatitis A cases, primarily within the Farmington Hills area.

"From last August, we reported 63 cases, and the prior year we only had five. Most of those cases are people who use illicit drugs," said Dr. Pamela Hackert, Chief of Medical Services Oakland County.

The most recent Hepatitis A cases are a bit more mysterious.

The one common thread is location. This seems to be happening in Farmington Hills, which is outside of Detroit, Michigan.

"At least nine of these people have not had any high risk behavior, whether it’s drug use, travel or contact with someone who has Hepatitis A."

Dr. Hackert said, “The virus is shed in feces and is most commonly spread from person to person by contaminated hands. In addition to vaccination, good hygiene, proper sanitation of surfaces, and proper food preparation are keys in preventing this contagious disease.”

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), and can affect anyone. Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease.

Viral hepatitis causes over 1 million deaths annually, making it a leading cause of death worldwide. The hepatitis A vaccine became available in 1995, resulting in a 95% decline in infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are between 1,700 and 2,800 cases of the highly contagious virus each year in the United States.

There are several types of hepatitis viruses including A, B, C, D and E. The viruses have many differences from each other, however, the one thing all five types of hepatitis have in common is they can cause liver damage.

Hepatitis A is genetically closer to the common cold than it is to hepatitis B, for example. Hepatitis C is closer to the virus that causes dengue fever.

Although hepatitis A can cause significant illness, the body usually recovers without treatment and becomes immune to future infections.

Vaccines can prevent hepatitis A, and are recommended for travellers and other groups at risk of infection.

The hepatitis A vaccine is given as two shots, six months apart. The hepatitis A vaccine also comes in a combination form, containing both hepatitis A and B vaccine, that can be given to persons 18 years or older. This form is given as three shots, over a period of six months or as three shots over one month and a booster shot at 12 months.

To reduce the risk of contracting Hepatitis A:

• Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food.
• Clean and disinfect all surface areas if someone in the household or workplace has symptoms, especially areas such as toilets, sinks, trash cans, doorknobs and faucet handles.
• Do not prepare food if you have symptoms and refrain from food preparation for at least three days after symptoms have ended, or two weeks after onset of clinical symptoms, whichever is longer.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is available through some health providers, Oakland County Health Division offices in Southfield and Pontiac, and many pharmacies. More information about Hepatitis A can be found here or call Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides private sector vaccine prices for general information.