To combat an outbreak of the Hepatitis A virus in Jackson County, local health officials say they are trying to educate the community and parents about the virus and how it spreads.

Virginia Scott, administrator of Jackson County Health Department said a total of eight Hepatitis A cases to date have been reported in the Vergennes area of Jackson County, which is about 15 miles from Carbondale. Three of the cases were reported Monday, and five were diagnosed late last week. Six of the cases were in elementary school children, one case in a high school student and one adult case.

Scott said health officials have visited schools and met with parents and teachers to discuss how the virus is spread.

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Scott said Hepatitis A is a virus that enters the mouth and multiplies in the body. She said it can be passed by people who do not thoroughly wash their hands after using the toilet or by a person with contaminated hands handling food which will be consumed by others.

We want the community to cooperate in not doing food events until the outbreak is over, Scott said.

Scott said bringing food from homes, which have been exposed to the virus, to other public places may also be an avenue for spreading Hepatitis A.

Carla Griffen, of the Jackson County Health Department, said those already infected with the virus are advised to remain at home and maintain good personal hygiene, such as thorough hand-washing.

Scott said it is not known how long the outbreak will last.

People are going in for testing, she said. I have no idea how long it may go on. We’re investigating all leads.

Scott said immune globulin has been given to several people exposed to the virus within 14 days of exposure to provide temporary protection.

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A person exposed to the virus is contagious for two weeks before they develop symptoms and one week after they develop symptoms, Scott said.

Scott said symptoms may appear as early as two weeks after exposure to as long as six weeks after exposure but usually occur three to four weeks after coming into contact with the virus.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include fatigue, fever, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, jaundice, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting. Also, urine may appear darker than usual when infected with the virus.

Scott said children usually experience mild cases of the virus, while Hepatitis A may be more serious in adults.