More Than 900 Hepatitis A Cases Reported In Ohio Amid Multistate Outbreak
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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP/KDKA) - Ohio has logged more than 900 cases of hepatitis A this year amid an outbreak around the state and some neighboring states.
The Springfield News-Sun reports Ohio has seen a big jump in cases compared with the past few years, when the state typically had only a few dozen cases.
People have been hospitalized in nearly two-thirds of the cases. One death was reported in Montgomery County.
So far this year, there have been 81 cases in Pennsylvania, which is an 80 percent increase over the past five years. Allegheny County has had at least eight cases reported within the past month.
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver that causes low appetite, stomach pain and jaundice. It spreads through close contact with infected individuals and fecal matter.
Homeless people and those who use street drugs or have been incarcerated are considered among those most likely to contract the disease.
Health officials recommend guarding against that with a vaccine and good hygiene.
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