      Canton City Health Department
                            James M. Adams, R.S., M.P.H., Health Commissioner

                          Promoting and Protecting Health Since 1849

420 Market Ave. North
Canton, Ohio 44702
(330) 489-3231
(330) 489-3335 (fax)
Info@cantonhealth.org

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Hepatitis Awareness Month 2008

May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month in Ohio. The Canton City Health Department (CCHD) encourages all Canton and surrounding area residents to learn about hepatitis.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Symptoms may include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, fever, nausea, diarrhea and dark urine. In the United States there are three hepatitis viruses that are seen more often (Hepatitis A, B and C), although five have been identified (Hepatitis A,B,C,D and E). Understanding the different types of hepatitis viruses, how they are spread, and how they can be prevented are important factors in maintaining your health and the health of those around you.

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) can affect anyone as it is found in the stool (feces) of persons with Hepatitis A. HAV is usually spread by the fecal-oral route, which is placing something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with Hepatitis A. HAV is spread by close person-to-person contact or through swallowing contaminated food. Children may not have symptoms and may expose baby-sitters and child care staff during toileting or diapering activities. Always wash your hands with soap and water after changing a diaper, using the bathroom, and before preparing and eating food. Other examples of persons at risk include household contacts of infected persons, men-who-have-sex-with-men and travelers to countries where Hepatitis A is common. Hepatitis A vaccine is available for use in persons 12 months of age and older and offers the best protection. International travelers may call their doctor or CCHD to obtain more information about travel vaccines. CCHD offers a travel clinic with scheduled appointments on Thursday mornings and can be reached at (330) 489-3322 for prices and times.

In the United States, it is estimated that 1.25 million people are chronically infected with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). HBV is 100 times more infectious than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Transmission occurs when blood or body fluids such as semen or vaginal secretions from a person infected with HBV enters the body of a person who is not infected. Persons placing themselves at risk include those with multiple sex partners and having sex with an infected person without using condoms. Other risk groups include injection drug users, infants born to infected mothers, and health care workers with exposure to blood. Getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B is the best prevention. Contact your doctor, your child's pediatrician, or your local health department regarding the availability of the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is transmitted when blood from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not infected. Most Hepatitis C infections are related to the use of needles contaminated with the Hepatitis C virus. Consider yourself at risk if you have injected drugs illegally or shared needles used for tattoos or body piercings not done by a licensed professional. Unfortunately, there is not a vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis C. You may talk to your doctor about testing or come to CCHD if your risks include sharing needles or injection supplies, having a sexual partner with Hepatitis C, or you received tattoos or body piercings that were done in unsanitary conditions. CCHD conducts a “FREE” walk-in HIV testing clinic on Wednesdays from 1:30 pm. to 3 pm. and the second Thursday of every month from 4 pm. to 6:45 pm. The nurse will evaluate your risks at that time for Hepatitis C testing. All testing is free and confidential.

Your local health department can be a resource for pamphlets on the Hepatitis viruses and vaccine information.

For Hepatitis A information: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/index.htm

For Hepatitis B information: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/index.htm

For Hepatitis C information: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/index.htm

For Liver Disease Resources: www.liverfoundation.org

For Travel Information: wwwn.cdc.gov/travel

For a Canton City Health Department clinic schedule, please click here.