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SALT LAKE CITY — Health officials in both Utah County and Salt Lake County are warning Utahns of an ongoing outbreak of hepatitis A, a highly contagious virus.
The outbreak began in August 2017, according to an emailed statement from the Salt Lake County Health Department. Since then, the virus has been found in at least three public business locations in Utah.
Here's what you should know about it:
What is hepatitis A and how is it spread?
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is primarily spread two ways: person-to-person exposure with the feces of an infected person; or exposure to contaminated food and water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This makes HAV different from other strains of the virus, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C, which are mainly transmitted through exposure to infected blood, semen and other bodily fluids, the World Health Organization reported.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC lists HAV symptoms as including fever, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain and yellowed skin.
Since HAV vaccines first became available in 1995, rates of infection have declined by more than 95 percent in the U.S., the CDC said. However, there was a 12.2 percent increase in reported cases between 2014 and 2015.
HAV can survive outside the body for months. It has an incubation period ranging from 15 to 50 days, meaning symptoms will not emerge until after this time period. Symptoms are short-term and typically will last no longer than two months. However, between 10 and 15 percent of people who are exposed to the virus will have relapsing symptoms for up to six months, according to the CDC.
Who’s at risk?
People who have visited the following locations in Utah County and Salt Lake County on particular dates are at risk of HAV exposure:
- 7-Eleven convenience store in West Jordan on 2666 W. 7800 South between Dec. 26 and Jan. 3.
- Olive Garden in Spanish Fork on 1092 N. Canyon Creek Parkway between Dec. 21 and 30.
- Sonic Drive-In in Spanish Fork on 971 N. Main St. on Dec. 23 or 24.
After the possible HAV exposure at the 7-Eleven, Salt Lake County Health Department spokesperson Nicholas Rupp said they received 496 calls received, referred 343 people for preventive hepatitis A vaccine and gave 129 vaccines at Salt Lake County immunization clinics.
What should you do?
HAV is preventable through a two-dose series of vaccinations. The CDC gives guidelines for receiving HAV immunizations and otherwise preventing infection.
Those who have not been vaccinated and worry they may have been exposed to the virus are advised to contact a health care provider or immunization clinic to be tested.
Following the possible 7-Eleven contamination, the Salt Lake County Health Department said an HAV vaccine is widely available at local pharmacies. Most health care plans and insurance providers cover the costs, the health department said.
Those experiencing HAV symptoms or who otherwise believe they may be infected can make an appointment with an immunization clinic by calling 385-468-SHOT (7468). Those in Utah County are advised to call 801-851-HEPA (4372).
