© 2024 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Hepatitis A Outbreaks Prompt Targeted Vaccination Effort In Illinois

Hepatitis A vaccines are free or being offered or at a reduced price at participating local health departments.
flickr
Hepatitis A vaccines are free or being offered or at a reduced price at participating local health departments.
Hepatitis A vaccines are free or being offered or at a reduced price at participating local health departments.
Credit flickr
Hepatitis A vaccines are free or being offered or at a reduced price at participating local health departments.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said they are trying to prevent an outbreak of Hepatitis A after several neighboring states have experienced their own.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread through infected food or water – and it’s highly contagious. The Illinois Department of Public Health is trying to get in front of a potential outbreak in Illinois with a targeted vaccination effort.

Listen to the story.

Melaney Arnold with the health department said the most vulnerable populations are the homeless, men who have sex with men, and illegal drug users.

“Hepatitis A can be somewhat mild and you can have it last only a couple weeks, or it can be a serious illness and can last months,” she said. 

The IDPH has sent 1,300 doses of the vaccine to participating local health departments throughout the state. The shots are free or being offered at a reduced cost.

Copyright 2021 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS. To see more, visit NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS.

Jaclyn has an MA in Journalism from DePaul University and a BS in History form Monmouth College. Prior to reporting, Jaclyn was a social science teacher and department chair at Greenfield High School. Previously, Jaclyn reported for WICS Newschannel 20 where she covered a variety of assignments including courts, politics, and breaking news. She also reported at Siouxland News in Sioux City Iowa, the shared CBS/Fox television newsroom. Her internships included WGN and Comcast SportsNet in Chicago.
Related Content