Metro Public Health Department confirmed 41 cases of hepatitis A in Nashville since December, seven more cases since last week.
The city has added 10 more vaccination events in the last week, according to Rachel Franklin, the interim director of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness.
Large hepatitis A outbreaks have occurred since early 2017 in multiple states. There are ongoing outbreaks in California, Utah, Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia. Those at greatest risk for exposure to hepatitis A include those who are homeless, using illegal drugs, and men who have sexual contact with men.
The Health Department and Davidson County Sheriff’s Office worked to provide hepatitis A vaccines at all Davidson County Sheriff’s Office facilities after four cases of hepatitis A were confirmed three weeks ago among DCSO inmates.
Hepatitis A symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice and clay-colored stool. Although some cases can require hospitalization, most rec
MPHD offers free hepatitis A vaccines to the three at-risk groups at all three of its health centers.
“We also want to remind everyone that practicing good hand washing hygiene can help stop the spread of this illness,” Franklin said. “Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, after you use the restroom and before eating or preparing any meals.”
over within a few weeks.