OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - In a story July 30 about a Hepatitis A outbreak, The Associated Press reported erroneously that there were 10 cases in Spokane County. There are nine.

A corrected version of the story is below:

Hepatitis A outbreak declared in Washington with 13 cases

State officials have declared an outbreak of hepatitis A in people who are living without shelter or who use illicit drugs

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - State officials have declared an outbreak of hepatitis A in people who are living without shelter or who use illicit drugs.

Washington state Department of Health officials said Tuesday they have confirmed 13 cases of the virus with nine cases in Spokane County, one in neighboring Pend Oreille County, two in Seattle’s King County and one in Snohomish County.

Officials say hepatitis A is a very contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can range from mild with no symptoms to a severe illness lasting months that can result in liver failure and death.

Officials say the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A is vaccination. Officials are working with local health officials on prevention and response efforts.

People without access to restroom facilities and handwashing stations can be particularly at risk.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC.