A second person who was hospitalized due to hepatitis A complications after a recent outbreak has died, according to the Virginia Dept. of Health.
“We grieve the loss of this second individual, who was loved by friends and family,” said RCAHD health district director, Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH. “It is devastating that we have seen a high rate of severe disease associated with this outbreak.”
The first death associated with the outbreak was reported two weeks ago.
According to the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts, there are currently:
- Total of 49 confirmed hepatitis A cases
- 31 hospitalizations
Health officials said that there have been no new cases reported this week.
The last day for the incubation period was Oct. 15, and officials said all confirmed primary hepatitis A cases associated with this outbreak would have had symptoms that began on or before this date.
Hepatitis A can be prevented with a vaccine. You can get a vaccine from your primary care provider, an occupational health care clinic or the health department.
People who are at high risk for getting hepatitis A or developing serious complications from an infection are:
- People who use drugs (injection or non-injection)
- People experiencing unstable housing or homelessness
- Men who have sexual contact with men
- People who are currently or were recently incarcerated
- People with chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
Officials are urging anyone who has been to the following Famous Anthony’s locations from Aug. 10 to 27 to seek medical attention if symptoms arise:
- 4913 Grandin Road
- 6499 Williamson Road
- 2221 Crystal Spring Avenue
Symptoms can include:
- jaundice: yellowing of the skin or the eyes
- fever
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- dark urine
- light-colored stools
Anyone with symptoms is urged to stay home from work, especially if they work in food service, health care or child care.
For more information on hepatitis A, click here.
Source: WSLS News 10