LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)– The number of new cases of hepatitis A in Kentucky is dropping drastically, according to the Lexington-Fayette Health Department.
Kentucky’s hepatitis A epidemic isn’t over just yet, but compared to seven months ago when it reached its peak, the numbers have plummeted, according to Kevin Hall with the Lexington-Fayette Health Department.
Hall said that Lexington reported only two cases of hepatitis A last month, and that number is consistent with a state-wide trend. In October, we peaked across the Commonwealth and now, we’re at a level that’s as low as it has been since soon after the onset during the summer of 2017.
Before the on-set, officials would see only about two cases per year, so while we’re in much better shape now at two for the month, we are still not back to normal.
“For the general public, they hear two new cases and think it’s over, well it’s not. It can be spread at any time and all it takes is one case, one person not properly washing their hands, or who hasn’t received the vaccination to spread it, and start it all back up again,” said Hall.
Hall recommends getting the hepatitis A vaccination.
