The Cabell­-Huntington County West Virginia Health Department is currently investigating a cluster of Hepatitis A cases (See maps of locations of Health Departments). To date, there are four confirmed cases in Cabell County and health officials are doing a thorough investigation on these sporadic cases. At the same time, the Ashland-Boyd County Kentucky Health Department has confirmed a sixth case of Hepatitis A.

Screen shot 2010-12-05 at 5.55.35 PM.pngAccording to press reports cases associated with the recent Burger King employee have been identified as of Monday, Nov. 29. Health department officials are investigating all recent Hepatitis A cases. Risks of public exposure from these individuals remain low. To assure public safety, the Ashland-Boyd County Health Department will be hosting a Hepatitis A vaccination clinic for patrons who ate products from the drive-thru of the Burger King on Winchester Avenue during the week of Nov. 7 and on the days of Nov. 15 and 17. The clinic is only for patrons of Burger King.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus, which is found in the stool (bowl movement) of an infected person. People with hepatitis A can be very sick and usually need to see a doctor in Screen shot 2010-12-05 at 5.56.39 PM.pngorder to get better. However, there is no treatment for hepatitis A. Immune globulin can be taken within two weeks after exposure to prevent or lessen symptoms.

Hands that have not been washed after going to the bathroom or by touching items such as diapers or linens soiled by bowel movement spread this disease from person to person. It can also be spread by water or ice and by eating uncooked foods that may have become contaminated during handling. Hepatitis A can also be spread through common household items such as unclean eating utensils and cups and other items used to take drugs with.

Symptoms include: Tiredness, Stomach pain, Fever, Dark urine, Loss of appetite, Yellowing of the skin and eyeballs (jaundice) and Nausea.

We have been involved in representing families who have suffered from this virus.