Prevent an Outbreak of Hepatitis A in Illinois 

States bordering Illinois and across the country are experiencing Hepatitis A outbreaks. To prevent an outbreak of Hepatitis A in Illinois, health departments across the state are encouraging high-risk populations to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection found in the feces (poop) of infected people. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food or water and close contact with people who are infected. Most adults with Hepatitis A feel sick for a few months and usually recover completely without lasting liver damage. Although rare, Hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death. Not everyone has symptoms. If symptoms develop, they usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after infection and can include: fever, vomiting, grey-colored stools, fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine, jaundice.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Hepatitis A can affect anyone. However, you are more likely to be infected if you:

• Use drugs (injection, non-injection or marijuana)
• Are homeless
• Are a man who has sex with men
• Were recently incarcerated
• Live with or have close contact with an infected person
• Touch or eat food or drink that someone with Hepatitis A infection has handled.

Prevent Hepatitis A From Spreading In Cook County.

• Vaccination is the best way to prevent Hepatitis A. Talk to your healthcare provider to get the two doses you need for protection. Personal information is not required.
• Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food can also help prevent the spread of Hepatitis A.

Learn More

• Learn more about Hepatitis A in Illinois. Visit the Illinois Department of Public Health .
• Learn more about Hepatitis A in the U.S. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
• Download, share and display the following print materials.

• • CDC Keep Calm and wash your hands Handwashing Poster 8.5X11 English  Spanish
  • CDC One trillion germs in a gram of poop Handwashing Poster 8.5X11 English  Spanish
  • CDC Hepatitis A General Fact Sheet Hepatitis A General Fact Sheet 8.5X11 English
  • CDC Viral Hepatitis MSM Fact Sheet Viral Hepatitis MSM Fact Sheet 8.5X11 English
  • CDC Hepatitis A Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) Fact Sheet 8.5X11 English  Spanish
  • CCDPH Hepatitis A FAQs for the Public and Partners English Spanish Polish
  • CCDPH Hepatitis A Infographic Poster Hepatitis A General Flyer/Poster 8.5X11 English Spanish Polish
  • CCDPH CCDPH Hepatitis A For Patient Rooms Hepatitis A Patient Flyer/Poster 8.5X11 English Spanish  Polish

Updated 10/30/18