Officials identify 2 cases of hepatitis A after sewage backup in Detroit

Health officials recommend anyone in contact with raw sewage to call doctor

DETROIT – Two cases of hepatitis A have been identified in people who were in contact with sewage during a recent backup, health officials from the Detroit Health Department and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced.

Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver. Dr. Frank McGeorge took a few minutes to explain Hepatitis A here.

EARLIER THIS MONTH: Birmingham restaurant worker diagnosed with hepatitis A

Health officials recommended anyone who has come in contact with raw sewage should contact their doctor. Help is also available at the Detroit Health Department. Anyone affected can go to the DHD at the Samaritan Center (5555 Connor) or Family Place (8726 Woodward Avenue) between Friday and Sept. 2.

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Monitor for symptoms:

Patrons should monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A infection, which include:

  • sudden onset of abdominal discomfort
  • dark urine
  • fever
  • diarrhea
  • yellow skin and eyes 

From the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: 

Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin (IG) may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. Hepatitis A vaccine may be available at some major pharmacies in Michigan. People who have had hepatitis A disease or previously received two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine do not need to be immunized for hepatitis A again.

Time from exposure to onset of illness (incubation period) is typically 15 to 50 days. Duration of illness typically lasts several weeks to several months. Treatment of hepatitis A is supportive, and most people will recover without complications.

How to protect against hepatitis A:

While vaccination provides the best protection, frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and before preparing food can help prevent the spread of Hepatitis A. Appropriately cooking foods can also help prevent infection.

Anyone who develops symptoms of hepatitis A infection should stay home and contact their healthcare provider. Please call the health department if anyone has any questions or require assistance in locating hepatitis A vaccine or G.

  • The Wayne County Wellness Services Division can be reached at 734-727-7078 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

More about hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A Overview | HealthGrove

Hepatitis A Cases in 2014 | HealthGrove

Incidence of Hepatitis A in the United States | HealthGrove

Hepatitis A Incidence by State | HealthGrove

Hepatitis A Vaccination Rates by State | HealthGrove


About the Author:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.