Oakland County Health Division reminds residents to continue protecting themselves from the ongoing hepatitis A outbreak and West Nile virus (WNV) while at end-of-summer festivals and large events. Interaction with large groups of people increases the risk of spreading hepatitis A, while WNV is a seasonal epidemic that flares up in warm, summer months and continues into the fall.
"Vaccination and handwashing are the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis A," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County Health Division. "West Nile virus can be prevented by using mosquito repellent to avoid being bitten."
As of Aug. 1, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports 869 cases of hepatitis A in Michigan, with 119 being in Oakland County. While there have been no human cases of WNV reported, the virus is present in Oakland County.
"Whether you are at home or at an event, there are simple steps that residents can take to reduce their risk of these diseases," said Stafford. "Residents must be prepared for potential exposure no matter where they go."
To reduce the risk of hepatitis A:
- Get the hepatitis A vaccine.
- Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food. Rub hands vigorously with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean and disinfect all surface areas, especially while someone in the household or workplace has symptoms. Particular care needs to be taken with areas such as toilets, sinks, trash, door knobs, and faucet handles.
- Do not prepare food if you have symptoms and refrain from food preparation for at least three days after symptoms have ended.
Follow these tips to protect you and your family from mosquito bites:
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellant. All EPA-registered insect repellants are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection. Always follow the product label instructions.
- Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active, especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn, and early morning.
- Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes and buildings. Do not prop open doors.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. The virus is shed in feces and is most commonly spread from person to person by unclean hands contaminated with feces. Symptoms of infection may include sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, and/or vomiting often followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Symptoms may appear from 14-50 days after exposure, but average about one month.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus. Mosquitoes are infected with the virus by biting an infected bird. The virus is then spread to humans through the bite of the infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in some individuals, a more serious disease causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious and potentially life threatening symptoms of West Nile Virus if they do get sick.
For more detailed information about hepatitis A and West Nile virus, visit www.oakgov.com/health or find Public Health Oakland on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @publichealthOC.
ANurse on Call is also available to answer questions at 800-848-5533 or NOC@oakgov.com, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Published: Tue, Aug 21, 2018
