NC Sees Increase In Hepatitis A, Officials Urge Vaccination

North Carolina health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A. This follows a sharp uptick in cases associated with an outbreak that began over two years ago.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says the current outbreak of Hepatitis A began in April 2018, with more than half of the cases reported since January of this year. According to a news release, there have been four deaths associated with the outbreak so far in 2020, increasing the total to five.

NCDHHS recommends getting vaccinated against the disease, especially for those at high risk of contracting it. People at highest risk include those who are experiencing homelessness, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs.

Health officials say getting a two-dose vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against Hepatitis A. All local health departments in North Carolina offer free vaccinations for people at high risk. 

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection that can result in a range of reactions from mild to severe, with symptoms that can last from a few weeks to several months.