During the last 10 years there has been an average of 39 cases of hepatitis A infection per 100,000 population per year reported in the 32-county area. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine hepatitis A vaccinations be considered in areas with at least 10 cases per 100,000 population per year over a 10-year period. Hepatitis A is a viral disease spread by the fecal-oral route through close personal contact or by consuming contaminated food or water. The disease affects the liver. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, jaundice and dark urine.
Symptoms can last several weeks.
Young children may be infected without showing any signs of illness. Symptoms usually are more severe in adults. The illness is rarely fatal, but up to 22 percent of adults with hepatitis A require hospitalization. Hepatitis A vaccinations are available from private physicians, and free or low-cost vaccinations are available from local public health departments throughout the area.