There are now 40 reported cases of Hepatitis A in Christian County, including a case of Hepatitis A in a food service employee at Indian Hills Elementary School.
According to a news release, the Christian County Health Department says the risk of students and staff becoming infected is very low. The department is working with school officials to prevent the infection from spreading from this case, though they say it is unlikely to do so.
Amanda Bassingthwaite of the Christian County Health Department appeared on WHOP Wednesday morning and says many of the other cases are awaiting confirmation from the CDC.
She says seek medical attention if you have symptoms of Hepatitis A.
It could take up to 50 days after being exposed to the virus for someone to become ill and it usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. The virus spreads when an infected person does not wash their hands adequately after using the toilet or engages in behaviors that increase risk of infection.
Good hand washing practices, including washing under the fingernails, is the best way for most people to avoid contracting Hepatitis A. Officials say users of illegal drugs are more likely to contract Hepatitis A than the general population. Vaccinations can be obtained at your local health provider’s office.