Kentucky has declared an outbreak of hepatitis, with 31 reported cases so far. This is a 55 percent increase over the annual average in the past 10 years. They are the fifth state to declare an outbreak along with California, Michigan, Colorado, and Utah. Kentucky health officials are vaccinating adults and focusing primarily on people experiencing homelessness and people with substance use disorders.
According to local media outlets around the country, obtaining the vaccines has been a struggle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted on their website that the demand for vaccines has increased substantially over the past six months.
Kentucky health officials have advised the public to wash hands with warm soap and water, handle uncooked food appropriately, and to fully cook food to help prevent contracting Hepatitis A.