Outbreak was declared in May 

 

UPSTATE, SC—In May, the State of South Carolina was forced to declare a Hepatitis A outbreak after an unusually large number of cases had been reported over the winter and fall months.  

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) reported more than 180 cases in South Carolina over the fall and winter months. SCDHEC reported that they only had 48 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A between May and June in South Carolina. This came off the back end of the National HIV Testing Day, June 27.  

National HIV Testing Day is a large scale event that aims at educating and raising awareness across the nation on sexually transmitted diseases of all types, not just HIV. Several health clinics across the state provided free STD screenings as a part of National HIV Testing Day to help encourage South Carolina residents to get checked.  

Hepatitis A is commonly transferred between individuals as an STD but can be transmitted just through close personal contact, or by sharing food and drinks.  

Hepatitis A affects the liver and causes fever and nausea. Most people that get sick with Hepatitis A are sick for several weeks but usually recover. Receiving the appropriate vaccination can prevent Hepatitis A.  

According to data gathered by the SCHEC, Spartanburg, and Cherokee Counties have experienced five or fewer reported cases during this outbreak, while Greenville County has had six confirmed cases.  

Of the 180 reported cases of Hepatitis A in South Carolina, 130 people were hospitalized with one reported death. The SCDHEC asks anyone that feels that they have been exposed to seek medical help immediately for their own safety, and to prevent spreading the disease to others.  

By Samuel Robinson 

Sam.robinson@tryondailybulletin.com