31 January 2024
SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT) – The local health department is working with state officials to track a highly contagious disease.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is working with the Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) to track Hepatitis A. According to a press release, the agencies have released a dashboard for residents to access to keep up with a “person-to-person outbreak” of Hepatitis A that was first noticed in August of 2022.
“Hepatitis A is a serious disease, and vaccination is the best way to prevent infection,” Dr. Dereck Totten, KDHE Chief Medical Officer said. “Everyone should also practice good hand hygiene, including washing your hands before preparing or eating food, and avoid sharing needles. This will not only protect yourself but also help protect those around you.”
This outbreak has primarily affected people in Shawnee County who are experiencing homelessness, unstable housing, drug use (injection and non-injection), occupational risk of exposure or close contact with an infected person, according to the press release.
Since this outbreak began in 2022, 100 cases have been identified. Fifteen of those cases have been reported in 2024. According to the press release, 28 cases have resulted in hospitalization and no deaths.
The dashboard not only tracks outbreaks across the county, it also contains frequently asked questions, provider resources and vaccination clinic information. Information on the dashboard will be updated each week during the outbreak.
Hepatitis A is currently spread through close personal contact and is not through contaminated foods, drinks or infected food handlers, according to the press release. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent Hepatitis A. The following people are encouraged get vaccinated:
People who use injection or non-injection drugs;
People experiencing unstable housing or homelessness;
People currently or recently in prison;
People at increased risk of severe disease from infection, such as those with chronic liver disease or viral hepatitis infection; and
People who provide care for individuals experiencing homelessness, drug use, or the elderly.
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