RE: Important Message - Hepatitis A Outbreak

The Mayo clinic says that ANY sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A can be infectious.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-a/symptoms-causes/syc-20367007

 

They make it sound like only gay men are the problem.

 

Subject: Important Message - Hepatitis A Outbreak

 

NOTE: You are receiving this email from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) as part of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Program.  ADHS is sending the message below to our email distribution groups about a hepatitis A outbreak that is currently affecting eight Arizona counties. Please read the information below for more information about the outbreak and what you can do to help stop the spread of the disease.

 

Arizona, along with many other states, is currently experiencing a statewide outbreak of hepatitis A affecting 7 counties. There have been over 300 cases, primarily among at-risk individuals, including illicit drug users, people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, and those who have been recently incarcerated. A striking 80% of cases have been hospitalized.

 

Hepatitis A is highly contagious, but it is also effectively preventable. The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is to get vaccinated. Vaccination is generally recommended for:

·  people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing;

·  people who use drugs;

·  people who have recently been incarcerated; and

·  men who have sex with men.

 

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms include:

·  fever;

·  nausea and vomiting;

·  abdominal pain; and

·  yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

 

However, some people with hepatitis A do not have symptoms.

 

Hepatitis A is highly contagious and spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by microscopic amounts of stool from an infected person. Hepatitis A can also spread from close personal contact with an infected person such as through sex or caring for someone who is ill. People who are infected can spread the virus for about three weeks before and after symptoms appear.

 

In addition to vaccination, proper hygiene and hand washing can help prevent the spread of the virus.

 

If you would like to get the hepatitis A vaccine, or if you¿re not sure if you have had the vaccine, contact your health care provider or pharmacy. If you think you might have hepatitis A, contact your doctor.

 

For additional information on hepatitis A in Arizona, please visit azhealth.gov/HepAOutbreak.