SC public health officials warn against ‘significant increase’ of hepatitis A cases

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Due to a significant increase in the number of hepatitis A cases in South Carolina, Dr. Linda Bell and Nicholas Davidson provided information about the illness, current statistics and preventative measures residents can take to limit exposure to the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis A is “usually transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or consumption of contaminated food or water.”

SC health officials say the trend in the state is being seen mostly in drug users, homeless communities, and former prison inmates.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice, that usually resolve within 2 months of infection; most children less than 6 years of age do not have symptoms or have an unrecognized infection.

The CDC says the best prevention for hepatitis A is vaccination.

You can watch the full press conference below:

Copyright 2019 WIS. All rights reserved.