Hepatitis A Increase Troubles Officials

Public health officials are troubled by a puzzling increase in the number of cases of hepatitis A in Ventura County this year.

According to health officer Dr. Gary Feldman, 41 cases of the liver-attacking virus have been reported this year throughout Ventura County. Last year at this time, only 22 cases of the infectious virus had been reported.

What is particularly disturbing, Feldman said, is that the origin of this outbreak is unknown.

“Often we have an identifiable cause,” Feldman said. “We’ll be able to trace it to an infected restaurant worker for example, someone who is transmitting it through the food they handle. So then we know what it is and where it comes from. That is not the case here.”

Feldman said the reported cases are from all over Ventura County and a substantial number of the sufferers--about half--are children.

Although some strains of hepatitis can be fatal, Feldman said hepatitis A is not likely to be life-threatening.

“A is the most benign of the strains,” Feldman said.

“It is rarely fatal; it just makes you miserable.”

Symptoms include nausea, tiredness, abdominal discomfort, slight fever and flu-like symptoms. About a week after the symptoms begin, the patient may turn a yellowish color. The patient’s urine can become very dark--like coffee--and stool will turn gray or clay colored. Anyone with these symptoms should see a physician immediately.

Because the virus is transmitted from fecal matter, health officials recommend meticulous hand washing, particularly before handling food.

The most recommended way to counteract exposure to hepatitis A is an injection of immune globulin, effective if given within two weeks of contact with the infected person. A new vaccine that protects against the virus is now available through local doctors. Feldman said the county Health Department recently ordered a shipment of the vaccine and will be able to provide vaccinations in July.