Tag: hepatitis

July 26, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-807-1727

RHHD Commemorates World Hepatitis Day July 28

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share hepatitis facts and safety tips to commemorate World Hepatitis Day on July 28.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can affect liver function and can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is most often caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

“On World Hepatitis Day, take a stand for your health and the health of others: get vaccinated, get tested, and seek treatment,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Senior Epidemiologist Courtney Ayers. “Your proactive steps today can lead to a brighter, healthier future.”

According to VDH data on communicable diseases, hepatitis C and B are in the top five most reported conditions in Virginia (excluding COVID-19) over the last five years. In Virginia, students are required to complete the hepatitis B vaccination series as part of routine school immunizations. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Many people who become infected with hepatitis B or C do not experience symptoms and are unaware that they have the virus. The CDC advises that for hepatitis C there are oral medications (pills) available called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that are easy to take, have very few side effects, and cure more than 95% of people in just 8–12 weeks.

Individuals can reduce their risk of getting sick by taking the following precautions:

• Get tested – all adults 18 years and older should be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetime.
• Avoid sharing or reusing needles, syringes or any other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs, steroids, hormones, or other substances.
• Avoid using personal items that may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood, even in amounts too small to see, such as glucose monitors, razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes.
• Avoid getting tattoos or body piercings from an unlicensed facility or in an informal setting.

Individuals can receive vaccines for hepatitis A and B and can be screened for hepatitis B or C at their health care provider or at any of RHHD’s clinics. For more information about RHHD clinical services and to schedule an appointment, call (804) 205-3501. Individuals can also find a testing site at the following link: CDC testing site locator.

Please visit the World Hepatitis Day website for more information.

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May 18, 2022
Media Contact: Christie Wills, Communications Officer, Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD), christie.wills@vdh.virginia.gov

Health Alert: Update About Potential Hepatitis A Exposure at Local Restaurant

ROANOKE, Va. – New details have emerged as part of an ongoing investigation conducted by the Virginia Department of Health. The report involves an employee of Luigi’s restaurant in Roanoke who was recently diagnosed with hepatitis A. New information, obtained today, revealed that the employee may have had limited involvement in handling food prior to the food being cooked before consumption. Cooking food kills the virus that causes hepatitis A, therefore this situation does not meet the criteria of an exposure.

Given the high level of sensitivity of hepatitis A in our community, and out of an abundance of caution, the Roanoke City Health Department is offering hepatitis A vaccine to anyone who ate at Luigi’s between the dates of April 26 – May 17. Hepatitis A vaccinations will be available at the Roanoke City Health Department, 2nd Floor, 1502 Williamson Rd., Roanoke, VA 24012 this week at the following times:

• Thursday, May 19, 3-6 p.m.
• Friday, May 20, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Background:

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. Anyone who is not currently vaccinated against hepatitis A is encouraged to get the vaccine, which is available from many healthcare providers, health clinics and local pharmacies and is part of routine childhood vaccination series.

Exposure to hepatitis A virus may occur through direct contact with an infected person or by consuming food or drink that has been contaminated. Symptoms may develop 15 to 50 days following exposure. People are at increased risk if they have been in close and continuous contact with an infected person, particularly in a household or day care setting.

Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper or before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. Routine vaccination reduces the risk of this disease and is available to anyone. Virginia has experienced widespread outbreaks of hepatitis A across the Commonwealth, and vaccination is recommended for everyone.

For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/hepatitis-a/.

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