LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) _ Health officials say they are aggressively combatting
an atypical and unusually severe hepatitis A outbreak in northeastern Arkansas
that has infected at least 85 people and caused at least one death since
February.
State epidemiologist Dirk Haselow said Tuesday while hepatitis A outbreaks
are typically foodborne, this outbreak is associated more with high-risk
populations spreading the virus, which is contracted by ingesting tiny
amounts of fecal matter.
Arkansas is one of about 10 states fighting a severe outbreak. Haselow
says Arkansas usually sees fewer than 10 cases a year, but the state is
recommending all residents of Greene County be vaccinated.
High risk factors include recreational drug use, homelessness or transience,
living in close contact with other people and engaging in high risk sexual
behaviors.
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