ODH reports state Hepatitis A outbreak

VW independent/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Ohio is in the midst of a statewide outbreak of Hepatitis A. Since January 5, 2018, there have been 2,077 cases of Hepatitis A identified in Ohio. Historically, Ohio has seen about 40 cases per year. 

Individuals who may be at risk for Hepatitis A infection include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Individuals who currently use recreational drugs (regardless if they inject) 

• Individuals experiencing homelessness or in transient living 

• Individuals with direct contact (e.g., lives with, has sexual contact with, or is a caregiver for) 
someone infected with Hepatitis A 

• Children attending child care and their teachers and family members 

• Persons who traveled to areas of United States where there is an outbreak or countries where 
Hepatitis A is common 

• Individuals who were recently incarcerated 

• Individuals with underlying liver disease (including cirrhosis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C) 

• Individuals with a clotting-factor disorder

Contact the health department at 419.238.0808, extension 101, for more information about Hepatitis A and risk factors. The health department has Hepatitis A vaccine available, call 419.238.0808, extension 107, to schedule an appointment.