Hepatitis A is a Public Health Threat in Metro Detroit
Here’s how to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
What is viral heptatitis? A guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Hepatitis Page
Hepatitis A has become a significant health problem in southeast Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 319 people in the region have contracted the viral infection since August 2016. 14 have died. The cases have been reported in the city of Detroit, as well as Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, and St. Clair counties. Investigators haven’t found the source of the outbreak yet, but the state is urging people to get vaccinated, especially these groups:
*Health care workers who have direct contact with patients.
*The homeless.
*Food handlers.
*Sex workers.
*Men who have sex with men.
*Illegal drug users.
*People who are or were recently incarcerated.
*People with liver disease
*Those who have close personal contact with Hepatitis A patients.
Symptoms can take up to two weeks to develop after infection. They include jaundice, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The state says people who are concerned about Hepatitis A should talk to their healthcare providers about their risk.
Who do I call?
The Detroit Health Department, 313-867-4000
Wayne County Communicable Disease Unit, 734-727-7078
Oakland County Health Division, 1-800-848-5533 or email noc@oakgov.com
Macomb County Health Department, 586-469-5372
Monroe County Health Department, 1-888-354-5500, ext. 7800
St. Clair County Health Department, 810-987-5300
