Since February of last year, nearly 400 cases of Hepatitis A have been reported in Northeast Arkansas. The highly-contagious liver infection has spread closer to home, as different media outlets have reported cases of the disease in Southern Missouri. According to the Douglas County Herald, four cases have been reported in Ozark County, and 45 have been reported in Howell County.
Baxter Regional Medical Center Infection Preventionist Stephanie Free says there are a number of symptoms to look for with Hepatitis A.
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Free says the best way to know if a person is exposed to the virus is to watch for those symptoms. She adds there are preventative measures for people who have been exposed and those who haven’t.
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Another disease that has been reported locally is chickenpox, although Baxter Regional has yet to have any cases. Free says a classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash turning into itchy, fluid-filled blisters.
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Local medical officials have also been preparing for the possibility of measles. While no cases have been reported in the area, Free says symptoms will not appear until one-to-two weeks after someone is infected.
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For all three of these viruses, Free says the best methods of prevention are to get vaccinated, practice good hand hygiene and disinfect various surfaces. The Arkansas Department of Health has more information on these and other diseases online at healthy.arkansas.gov
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