The Kentucky Department for Public Health has declared an outbreak of acute hepatitis A, with cases reported in multiple counties, including Christian, McCracken and Hopkins.
Around 31 cases have been reported in the state this year - 50% more than the yearly average over the past 10 years.
State Epidemiologist Jonathan Ballard said acute hepatitis A is “a potentially life-threatening infectious disease.”
Symptoms include jaundice, dark-colored urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and fever.
Ballard said anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
People can avoid the disease by properly handling uncooked food, fully cooking food, and washing hands.
No deaths have been attributed to this outbreak.
