Officials with Butler County Health Department say nearly 60 percent of individuals who have contracted Hepatitis A locally since September 2017 required hospitalization.
Approximately 100 laboratory confirmed cases have been reported in Butler County as of June.
Transmission appears to be through direct person-to-person contact and illicit drug use, according to Allie Pattillo, public health community planner.
Average hospital stays have been three to four days in these cases. Cases have been reported in people ranging in age from 13-77 years old, she said.
"Butler County is working closely with local providers to ensure appropriate testing is being done as well as continual discussion about means to control the spread," Pattillo said.
The health department is offering free vaccinations to individuals considered at increased risk of infection, Pattillo said. National outbreaks in both California and Michigan are directly impacting the supply of vaccine.
Qualifications to receive the vaccine include individuals who use drugs, have personal contact with an individual who uses drugs or have close personal contact with an individual who has Hepatitis A, she said.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver disease and is found in the feces of people with Hepatitis A.
The virus is spread by eating contaminated food or beverages, sexual contact and close personal contact, such as living with an infected person.
Illness can appear 15-50 days after exposure and people can be sick for several weeks, Pattillo said.
Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, feeling tired, fever, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, pale-colored feces and joint pain.
The best way to protect against Hepatitis A is to get the vaccine, Pattillo said. The health department also recommends washing hands after using the restroom and before eating or preparing meals. Sex with an infected individual should be avoided, as should sharing food, drugs, cigarettes or smoking paraphernalia with others.
Anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed can visit the health department and visits will be kept confidential, Pattillo said. Individuals can tell the receptionist, "Frank sent me," to indicate the nature of their visit, she said.
"It is important for individuals to make an informed decision regarding the need to speak with their medical provider," she said.