(Chelsea Update would like to thank Kayla Steinberg for the information in this story.)
The Hepatitis A outbreak is ongoing in Michigan and has infected 20 adults in Washtenaw County.
While there are no new cases in Washtenaw, the Health Department continues to recommend good handwashing and vaccination to prevent infection.
Hand sanitizer does not kill the hepatitis A virus.
The Washtenaw County Health Department reminds everyone about the importance of washing their hands when enjoying summer activities and events, especially after using the restroom and before eating.
Good handwashing with soap and water can prevent the spread of hepatitis A and other illnesses. Only using hand sanitizer will not kill the hepatitis A virus.
Hepatitis A is a serious, highly contagious liver disease. The virus is found in the feces (poop) of people with hepatitis A. It is spread by eating contaminated food or water, during sex, or by living with an infected person.
Across Michigan, there have been 914 cases of hepatitis A associated with the current outbreak as of June 5.
Among these cases, there have been 734 hospitalizations and 28 deaths.
To learn more visit www.washtenaw.org/StopHepA.
