Lincoln Trail Health Department working to stop spread of hepatitis A

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Thursday, May 3, 2018 — Sara Best, the Lincoln Trail Health Department director, updated the media on the latest numbers of cases of hepatitis A in the region.

Current, the Lincoln Trail Health Department has conducted 30 total investigations, 21 of which are located within the Lincoln Trail District.

The highest number of cases — 11 — are in Hardin County, with 4 cases each in Nelson and Meade county, two cases each in Marion and Grayson counties, and one in Bullitt County.

There are six cases in Jefferson County who are residents of drug treatment facilities or detention centers.

Hepatitis A infections are area in our area, Best explained. Kentucky usually sees a total of 20 cases a year.

To date, Kentucky has recorded 300 cases of hepatitis A. Most of Kentucky’s cases have occurred within detention centers and drug rehab facilities.

The district health department has received free vaccine from the CDC. The vaccine is limited to those who have had direct contact with a case of hepatitis A, have a history of drug use and/or homelessness, and/or are uninsured or underinsured, which means their insurance does not cover the cost of the vaccine.

For more information information is posted on www.lincolntrailhealthdepartment.com.

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