The city of Joplin and the Jasper County Health Department are investigating local cases of a statewide Hepatitis A outbreak that has been occurring in Missouri over the past couple years.
Health officials with the City and Jasper County Health Departments say they’ve seen a higher than average number of Hepatitis A cases recently.
Cynthia Burnham, RN, BSN, is the Coordinator of the Medical Division and is working closely with other area agencies in monitoring these cases and any new cases. She says they’ve confirmed five cases to date in Joplin, and the Jasper County Health Department has confirmed one case.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Although rare, Hepatitis A can cause death in some people. Hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person.
Burnham says good hand hygiene practices can reduce contracting Hepatitis A. Joplin Health officials are also partnering with the Jasper County Health Department to offer vaccinations for Hepatitis A to the public.
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