Pennsylvania Health Officials Warn of Increasing Hepatitis A Cases Statewide

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Health officials knew the risk factors in more than 1,900 cases. In fact, around 1,300 people with the liver disease reported drug use (injection and no- injection) and homelessness.

The CDC and state health departments are investigating hepatitis A outbreaks among individuals reporting drug use and/or homelessness and their contacts.

In Pennsylvania, health officials are concerned that the contagious liver disease is spreading among the homeless and men who have sex with men.

Hepatitis A infection spreads when a person ingests the virus from food, drinks, or objects contaminated by small, undetectable amount of stool from an infected individual. The disease can also spread from close personal contact with an infected person.

Symptoms

People infected with the contagious liver disease typically experience the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Diarrhea
  • Clay-colored stools
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes