TUCSON – Pima County Health Department officials say there is a Hepatitis A outbreak in the county.

There have now been 40 cases reported in Pima County since Nov. 1.

Health officials are urging anyone who is at risk to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A.

“Individuals that have had direct contact with someone that is positive for Hepatitis A and men having sex with men and folks living in really congregate sites like in shelters, rehab centers and those sort of situations,” said Marcy Flanagan, Pima County Health Department Director.

Flanagan says it is mainly found in people who are homeless or people who use illicit drugs.

Hepatitis A is a liver infection and it can spread through ingesting or having bodily fluid contact with someone who has it. It can be highly contagious.

This current outbreak in the county that started in November surpasses the annual total for the past five years.

“The prior year in 2017 we only saw five cases, it’s a significant increase we’ve seen in Pima County,” Flanagan said.

Earlier this week, health department nurses went out into the community to vaccinate people who are homeless during the annual homeless count.

Flanagan says they are working closely with shelters and rehab centers to target the homeless and illicit drug users.

“The best tool is getting that vaccine and then just having access to water,” said Flanagan. “Wash your hands with soap and water and that would do the most good in our community.”

Also avoid sharing towels, toothbrushes, food, drinks, cigarettes, and avoid coming in contact with another person’s bodily fluid, who may be at risk.

The infection can cause yellow eyes, skin and flu-like symptoms.

There have been a total of five cases found in inmates at the Pima County Jail. Each of the five came in with it and they have been quarantined. The jail says screenings and immunizations are available.

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