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Hepatitis A outbreak in Michigan and how to defend yourself

DETROIT – The largest hepatitis A outbreak in Michigan history continues to bring the disease into the headlines.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver and can be caused by a variety of sources, from toxins to immune problems. The five viruses, designated by the letters A through E are the most common causes. Hepatitis A is especially contagious.

Laura Bauman is the director of epidemiology for Washtenaw County, she points out that, “this is not an outbreak in kids.”

A vaccine has been available since 1995 and has been part of the childhood vaccine schedule since 1996.

Young adults and children who were vaccinated are extremely well protected. The hepatitis A vaccine is so effective that if an unvaccinated adult is exposed and receives the vaccine within two weeks they will be protected from infection.

Hepatitis A can be spread through blood exposure like hepatitis B, but that’s not the most common route of transmission.

“The bottom line is this is spread through poop,” Bauman said.

Hepatitis A is spread easily in areas with poor hygiene. The best defense, besides vaccination, is hand washing with soap and water.

Symptoms

  • Fever.
  • Fatigue.
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin from jaundice.
  • Dark urine.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin from jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain.

Read the full story here. 

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I Vaccinate provides information and tools based on real medical science and research to help Michigan parents protect their kids. Support is provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Franny Strong Foundation.

You’ve got questions. That’s a good thing.

As parents, determining how best to protect our children can be overwhelming and confusing. We’re here to help.

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