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Health Department
Health and Community Services
43525 Elizabeth Road, Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5235

HEPATITIS A  

 Hepatitis A Fact Sheet

 

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

Hepatitis A infection is a contagious liver disease. The infection is caused by ingesting the virus through contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces (or stool) of an infected person, or contaminated food or water supply.

The best way to prevent infection is to do the following:

  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis A
  • Wash hands after using the restroom and before eating or preparing meals for yourself or others
  • Use your own towels, toothbrushes, and eating utensils
  • Do not have sex with someone who has hepatitis A infection
  • Do not share food, drinks, drugs, or smokes with other people

Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain or tenderness, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice).  Symptoms typically appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure. 

Individuals with symptoms should call their provider or seek care. If you have hepatitis A, please cooperate with your local public health department to help protect others.

 

 

Healthcare Providers and Case Reporting

Prompt notification to the local health department facilitates case investigation and prophylaxis of contacts. Post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended within 14 days of exposure. Suspected and confirmed cases should be reported to the Macomb County Health Department at 586-783-8190

Lab Testing and Reporting:  Confirmation of hepatitis A infection is important.  Recommended testing includes Hepatitis A IgM, and liver enzymes are also helpful.

 

Hepatitis A Outbreak

Macomb County, as well as other Michigan communities, experienced an outbreak of hepatitis A infections in August 2016. Over 200 hepatitis A cases were reported in the county, and over 900 cases in Michigan (as of September 25, 2019). Macomb County typically sees about six cases a year.

A common source of the outbreak has not been identified. The Health Department worked with many community partners to combat the spread of the virus.  Please review the information below to see how everyone can help take small actions that will help control the spread of hepatitis A infection. 

Help prevent the spread of hepatitis A with proper cleaning, disinfection, and handwashing.

Hepatitis A outbreak information on case data is provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

 

Vaccine Information

The hepatitis A vaccine is effective at preventing infection. Vaccination is recommended for:

  • Persons who are homeless.
  • Persons who are incarcerated.
  • Persons who use injection and non-injection illegal drugs.
  • Persons who work with the three high-risk populations listed above.
  • Persons who have had close contact (e.g., household, caregiver, or sexual) with someone who has hepatitis A.
  • Men who have sex with men.
  • Food handlers
  • Healthcare workers
  • Travelers to countries with high or medium rates of HAV.
  • Persons with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.
  • Persons with clotting factor disorders.
  • Any person who is concerned about HAV exposure and wants to be immune.

  Where can you get the hepatitis A vaccine?

  1. Healthcare provider
     
  2. Macomb County Health Department has multiple office locations offering vaccination: Clinic days, times, and locations

If you (or someone you know) do not have health insurance, you may qualify for free or low-cost vaccines. Talk with the health department to find out if you qualify.

For more information about getting the vaccine at the Macomb County Health Department, please call the Immunization Clinic at 586-469-5372

 

Outbreak Resources

More hepatitis A education and outreach materials (e.g., letters, brochure, poster, flyer, and infographics) are available for the following groups and others:

  • At-Risk Populations
  • Food Service Workers
  • First Responders
  • Healthcare Providers
  • Community Clinics

 Joint Press Release from Local Health Officers - December 11, 2017

 

Public Health Response

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was activated to coordinate Michigan’s response to the outbreak.  An overview of the public health response is available with information on strategies, press releases, and Michigan Health Alert Network (MIHAN) messages.

 

Additional Resources

For more information about the disease and prevention, or call the Macomb County Health Department Communicable Disease Surveillance Program at 586-783-8190.