Vaccinate against Hepatitis A

Georgia is experiencing outbreaks of hepatitis A, a highly-contagious, vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), reports the Georgia Department of Public Health.  Hepatitis A spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of feces from an infected person. Hepatitis A can spread easily through close personal contact with an infected person, such as household or sexual contacts, or from caring for someone who is ill.  Since June 2018, the Georgia Department of Public Health has identified hundreds of acute hepatitis A virus infections statewide, and the numbers continue to increase. The best way to prevent HAV infection is by getting vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus. Children are vaccinated at 12 months of age; however, many adults remain unvaccinated and at risk for becoming infected with HAV.  In addition to being vaccinated, wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food to help stop the spread of hepatitis A.