King County Responds To Hepatitis A Outbreak

Sat., June 12, 1999

Compiled From Staff

The Seattle-King County public health agency is responding to a Hepatitis A outbreak among street youth and injection drug users.

At least eight confirmed cases have occurred since the beginning of May. The agency was investigating reports of at least seven additional people ill with possible hepatitis.

To date, this cluster of infections has included people with ages ranging from 17 to 43 years. Several cases have involved young people who frequent a youth center in the University District. Other cases have involved those who inject crystal methamphetamine.

The agency is making vaccinations more accessible, as well as posting fliers and posters to increase awareness of the danger.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, unrelated to the hepatitis B and C viruses. It may be spread from person to person by sharing contaminated food, drinks or cigarettes or by close personal contact with infected people.

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