Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can easily spread from person to person through the fecal-oral route (putting something in your mouth that has been contaminated with the feces of a person with hepatitis A). This happens most often by neglecting to wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, having sexual contact with infected partners, and eating or drinking foods contaminated by Hepatitis A. The illness can last for weeks to months and only acute cases are reportable in North Carolina. The most effective way to protect yourself and prevent the spread of hepatitis A is to get the Hepatitis A vaccine.

Outbreak

Hepatitis A cases have been rising in the U.S. since 2012. After an increase in Mecklenburg County, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that Mecklenburg County is experiencing an outbreak of Hepatitis A.

More information and county-by-county data is available from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Fever
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• Dark urine
• Grey feces
• Joint pain
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain

Protect Yourself

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A.
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds under warm, soapy water after using the restroom and before eating or preparing meals for yourself or others.
• Use your own towels, toothbrushes, and eating utensils.
• Do not have sex with someone who has Hepatitis A.
• Do not share food, drinks, drugs, or smokes with other people.
• If you think you may have Hepatitis A, see your medical provider or contact Public Health at 980-314-9400.
• If you have Hepatitis A, please cooperate with Public Health to protect yourself and prevent the spread to others.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Priority Populations That Should Get the Vaccine

• People who are homeless.
• People who use injection and non-injection illegal drugs.
• People who have close contact, care for, or live with someone who has Hepatitis A.
  
• Men who have sexual encounters with other with men.
  

The vaccine is available FREE to these priority populations. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call the Public Health hotline at 980-314-9400.

Resources

Poster - Wash Your Hands

Flyer - What You Should Know About Hepatitis A

Poster – What You Should Know About Hepatitis A

Spanish – Poster - Wash Your Hands

Spanish – Flyer- What You Should Know About Hepatitis A

English/Spanish – Poster- Hepatitis A Prevention, Protection, Symptoms

Information for Priority Populations

Business Card Size Flyer - Protect Yourself and Prevent the Spread of Hepatitis A 

Poster - You Might Be At Risk

Quarter Page Flyer - You Might Be At Risk

Poster - Are You at Risk?

Spanish – Business Card Flyer – Protect Yourself And Prevent the Spread of Hepatitis A

Spanish – Poster - You Might Be At Risk Attached

Spanish – Poster – Are You At Risk?

Information for Food Service Employees

Poster - Important Information for Food Service Employees 

Half Page Flyer - Important Information for Food Service Managers/Operators

Spanish – Poster – Information for Food Service Employees 

Spanish – Half Page Flyer – Important Information for Food Service Manager/Operators

Social Media Images (Optimized for Social Media Use)

Facebook Images

Facebook - Hepatitis A Outbreak

Facebook - Wash Your Hands

Facebook- Stop The Spread

Facebook- Free Vaccines for Priority Populations

Facebook- Free Vaccines for Priority Populations 2

Twitter Images

Twitter- Hepatitis A Outbreak

Twitter- Wash Your Hands

Twitter- Stop The Spread

Twitter- Free Vaccines for Priority Populations

Twitter- Free Vaccines for Priority Populations 2

Updated September 1, 2021