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Mass. health officials announce hepatitis A outbreak

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued a public health alert on an acute hepatitis A outbreak involving the homelessness and/or substance use disorder population.

Leaders say 65 people have been infected, including one person who died. Of the 65 hepatitis A cases, 45 percent are located in Boston with an increasing number in other cities and towns, including the Southeast and metro Boston areas, the department stated.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause severe illness.

DPH have encouraged local health departments to work with clinical and community-based agencies providing services to people experiencing homelessness and those with substance use disorder, especially those injecting drugs, to educate them about the health risks and to offer vaccine. 
“Hepatitis A infection can be prevented through vaccination and one dose of vaccine can provide substantial protection. It can also be prevented through proper hand washing, especially after using the toilet and before eating. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A infection; most otherwise healthy people recover on their own,” said said Dr. Catherine Brown, state epidemiologist.
Hepatitis A is transmitted primarily through fecal-oral contact that can be associated with living in unsanitary conditions and poor hygiene. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), grey stools, and dark urine.

Cox Media Group

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