Hepatitis A: Recommended vaccine for Michigan and Kentucky visitors

The Indiana Public Health Office recommends travelers to the states of Michigan and Kentucky this summer get vaccinated against hepatitis A.

The US Department of Health and Human Services explains this recommendation by recent outbreaks of the virus reported in both states.

According to the authorities, 800 cases of hepatitis A that killed 25 people were reported in Michigan and 300 infections were reported in Kentucky, particularly in the Louisville area.

The Indiana health agency says it normally processes around 20 cases of hepatitis A a year. Since January, she has faced 77 cases.

According to Indiana epidemiologist Pam Pontones, getting vaccinated and washing hands before cooking are “simple, safe and effective” ways to avoid catching or spreading the virus.

Infection with the hepatitis A virus usually manifests as fever, general malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.

May Simmons

May Simmons was born and raised in Albuquerque.  As a journalist, May has contributed to the Eastern New Mexico University school  newspaper, NPR, and many other publications. In regards to academics, May earned a degree in business degree from A&N and earned her master’s degree at University of Florida. May covers  local news and culture stories here at Roswell Gazette.

Filed in: US

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