New Hampshire

NH in Early Stages of Hepatitis A Outbreak: Health Officials

New Hampshire health officials say they're seeing an increase in hepatitis A cases over the past three months, and they're concerned about the start of an outbreak.

The Department of Health and Human Services says they've seen 13 people diagnosed with acute hepatitis A infections over that time, including seven in January. That compares to an average of six to seven people annually over the past five years.

Five cases have found in Hillsborough County, three in Rockingham County, three in Strafford County, one in Cheshire County, and one in Merrimack County.

Health officials say people at a higher risk for hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver disease spread through dirty hands and other contact, should seek out the vaccine to protect against infection. Other states have had outbreaks.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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