Hepatitis Outbreak On Oahu
A dozen adults on the island were infected with hepatitis A, and half of them were hospitalized.
The Hawaii Department of Health is conducting an investigation into at least 12 adults on Oahu infected with hepatitis A.
The reported illnesses began June 16-27, and six adults were hospitalized, according to a department press release.
Symptoms include fever, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and jaundice, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Hepatitis A is typically spread via contaminated food or water, but can also spread via household members or sexual partners, the CDC says.
The Health Department encourages people with symptoms to immediately see a doctor. Everyone else should wash their hands frequently and consider getting vaccinated. Here is a list of Hawaii’s vaccinating pharmacies.
Health Department Director Virginia Pressler said in the release that while most children and adults have been vaccinated, those who have not are vulnerable.
