Hepatitis A causes concer

To the editor:

The mission of Indiana University Health includes improving the health of our patients and community.

We partner with many local organizations whose objectives align with our own to aid in our mission. One such organization is the Jay County Health Department, in which we work with regularly. I am currently the health officer.

To improve the health of our community, it is important to educate on health-related topics, including illnesses and viruses that we see on a regular basis. One that is often overlooked and is currently getting attention from the Indiana State Department of Health is hepatitis A.

Hep A is a highly contagious virus that affects the liver’s ability to function and has symptoms similar to other viruses such as fever, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and clay colored stool. In addition, infants may not show these classic symptoms but can still transmit the virus. Hep A typically demonstrates classic jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) in patients causing illness that can last weeks or in severe cases, months.

The most common types of hepatitis in the United States are hepatitis A, B and C. Hep A differs from hep B and C in that there is no chronic (life-long) or carrier state. Hep B and C are transmitted via blood and bodily fluids whereas hep A is spread when undetected amounts of fecal matter is ingested orally. The hep A virus can survive for weeks on surfaces and can be transmitted anywhere from 15 to 28 days before symptoms appear.

While there is no treatment for hep A other than supportive care such as rest, adequate nutrition and fluids, it is preventable. Hep A can be prevented through vaccination, good hand hygiene and proper surface sanitation.

So why is this such a health concern?

While most patients have a full recovery from hepatitis A, there are those with chronic illnesses or immunocompromised conditions that may be more susceptible to complications, causing lasting liver damage or in rare cases, liver failure. Individuals with hep A may also suffer from the aforementioned side effects for days, weeks, even months in some cases causing extended absences from work, school and daily living activities. It’s as much a health risk as a socioeconomic risk to the community.

If you or one of your loved ones has any of the above symptoms or known exposure, I encourage you to have a discussion with your healthcare provider to determine which wellness approach is best for you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jerry Whetzel

Jay County Health Officer