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

Although many people
infected with Hepatitis A do not experience illness, symptoms usually appear about
four weeks after exposure and develop over several days. Symptoms usually last for
two months, but can last longer. Symptoms include:
- 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
The best way to protect yourself and prevent the spread of Hepatitis A is through vaccination. The Hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective and is given as two shots, six months apart. Both shots are needed for long-term protection.
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