SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State and county health officials are investigating a cluster of hepatitis A cases in the Rock Island area.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging attention to hygiene following reports of 11 confirmed and two suspected cases of hepatitis A in Henry, Mercer and Rock Island counties.
The virus can cause liver swelling but rarely causes lasting damage. It can spread through food and water handled by an infected person who hasn't practiced thorough hand washing after using the bathroom.
It also can spread in childcare centers.
Symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. Symptoms can appear from 15 to 50 days after exposure.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging attention to hygiene following reports of 11 confirmed and two suspected cases of hepatitis A in Henry, Mercer and Rock Island counties.
The virus can cause liver swelling but rarely causes lasting damage. It can spread through food and water handled by an infected person who hasn't practiced thorough hand washing after using the bathroom.
It also can spread in childcare centers.
Symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. Symptoms can appear from 15 to 50 days after exposure.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
