Possible hepatitis A exposure has occurred at two locations in northern Arkansas. Employees at the Arkansas State University food service, and a volunteer at the Salvation Army in Jonesboro have tested positive for the virus according to the Arkansas Department of Health. Anyone who ate at the ASU Student Center or that Salvation Army location from October 13 to October 24, 2018 may have been exposed.
Fortunately, this announcement comes just within the two week window of opportunity for a hepatitis A or immune globulin vaccination. These shots are only effective if given within two weeks of exposure.
Vaccines will be available on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Craighead County Local Health Unit in Jonesboro at 611 East Washington Avenue. Vaccines will also be available at the ASU Reng Student Center (3rd floor River Rooms) located at Aggie Circle on campus in Jonesboro from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30, 2018. Bring your insurance card and driver’s license if you have one.
These vaccinations will be provided to the public at no cost. There is a nationwide hepatitis A epidemic that has been ongoing all year, and public health officials are trying to stop it. Since February, there have been 178 cases of hepatitis A in northern Arkansas, including one death.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of a hepatitis A infection should see a doctor. Those symptoms usually include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, nausea, joint pain, and jaundice. Some people, especially those with liver disease, can become seriously ill if they contract this infection. People can feel sick for months but most recover completely.
The best way to prevent the spread of this illness is to get vaccinated. Food workers, and people who work with the public should all be vaccinated. You should also always wash your hands well with soap and water after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and after taking care of someone who is sick, particularly with a diarrheal illness. And stay home from work or school if you are sick.
