PEOPLE at high risk of hepatitis A are urged to ensure they are vaccinated and practice good hand hygiene following an outbreak of the virus, with another six cases in a week.
SA Health’s Communicable Disease Control Branch acting director Dr Louise Flood said a large increase in locally acquired cases in the last month was concerning.
“We are urging those people who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis A to ensure they are vaccinated, particularly gay men,” Dr Flood said.
“We are urging everyone, particularly those in the high risk group, to practice good hand hygiene as the infection is easily spread person-to-person through contaminated food and water, as well as sexual activity.”
Hepatitis A symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, joint pain and nausea, followed a few days later by dark urine and jaundice.
At risk groups include gay men, people travelling to endemic countries, people with chronic liver disease, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people with occupational risk such as childcare workers, plumbers or sewerage treatment plant staff.
“While infectious, those with hepatitis A should avoid preparing food or providing personal care for others, wash their hands thoroughly and regularly and avoid sexual contact or blood donation to help prevent further spread,” Dr Flood said.
Cases are infectious for two weeks before and up to seven days after the onset of jaundice and while most cases fully recover, ongoing medical monitoring is required as complications can occur in rare cases.
There have been 19 confirmed cases of hepatitis A in South Australia this year, compared to a total of seven cases for the whole of 2016.
