Hepatitus A On The Rise In Pierce County

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Health care providers across Pierce County have reported 10 cases of hepatitis A so far this year. That may not sound like an overwhelming case load especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is five times the number of cases the county saw in all of 2020, and eight of the cases were diagnosed in just the last five weeks.

Now the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department is asking residents and health care providers to be aware of the increased risk, how hep A is transmitted and to contact authorities immediately if they're concerned they have a case.

Hepatitis A spreads through infected feces and has an incubation period of two to six weeks. Typically, patients get sick between three and four weeks after their first exposure.

Hepatitis A symptoms include:

• Jaundice
• Vomiting
• Anorexia
• Elevated liver function

The health department says homeless residents or people living with substance use disorders are most at risk for hepatitis A. Four of the 10 confirmed cases this year were reportedly patients who experienced some degree of housing instability. To help counteract the outbreak, the health department say it's critical that homeless communities receive routine hepatitis A immunization shots.

The health department also warns that a hepatitis A outbreak could become a much worse problem simply because of the coronavirus pandemic. The closure of many public libraries, bathrooms and restaurants could worsen the spread of the disease, according to the health department.

Health care providers who believe they've found a case of hepatitis A should report all suspected cases to the health department. More information on the outbreak and the health department's response can be found here.