MI Health Officials Confirm 2 Positive Cases Of Hepatitis A​​

WASHTENAW COUNTY — Health officials confirmed two residents in southeastern Michigan tested positive for hepatitis A, according to the Washtenaw County Health Department.

The two Washtenaw County cases are unrelated to one another and were "likely exposed" to the virus during international travel, according to county health officials.

Officials said the county's wastewater surveillance system noted a spike in detecting the virus in the last week of January. Officials do not know if the spike was caused by the two positive individuals shedding the virus, or if there are additional cases of hepatitis A that haven't found yet.

Since the virus spreads through feces, proper handwashing is a vital step in preventing its spread. Vaccinations are also a highly-effective measure for preventing infection, and is recommended for everyone, especially those most at risk of illness.

"We know that most Washtenaw County adults are not vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus," said Laura Bauman, MPH, epidemiology program manager for the Washtenaw County Health Department. "We want everyone to know that the spread of this potentially serious illness is preventable through vaccination and good handwashing."

Hepatitis A symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and fatigue.