A case of hepatitis A has been confirmed at Anderson County High School. A letter has been sent home to anyone who has been in close proximity of the exposure in a classroom, the lunchroom or on a school bus. (Note: Those with an up to date Hepatitis A vaccination are not considered at-risk for developing the infection from exposure.)
Hepatitis A is a contagious disease of the liver. It usually spreads when a person unknowingly eats or drinks something contaminated by small amounts of stool from an infected person. Good handwashing can limit the spread of disease.
Hepatitis A infection can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Symptoms often last several weeks. However, long-term infection does not occur. It may take up to 7 weeks following an exposure for symptoms to develop.
Hepatitis A vaccination is the best way to prevent infection. Beginning the 2018-2019 school year, all Kentucky students are required to have the vaccination. Please check with your medical provider to see if your child has been vaccinated. If your student has not been vaccinated, please make arrangements to have them vaccinated as soon as possible.
Anderson County High School is doing a thorough “deep clean” as instructed by the Anderson County Health Department and the KY State Epidemiologist. If you have any questions or concerns about hepatitis A or this process, please speak with your medical provider or call the Anderson County Health Department at 502-839-4551.