Hawaii News Now reports the outbreak of Hepatitis A in the islands has now sickened 135 people, the state Health Department said Wednesday.
All cases have been in adults, and 39 have required hospitalization.
The total number of cases statewide is up by 42 people since last week. The onset of illness ranges from June 12 to July 24.
This is by far the largest outbreak of Hepatitis A in the islands in decades. State health officials said the outbreak appears to be focused on Oahu, but its source remains unclear. Seven of those who have been sickened live on the Neighbor Islands; one visitor has returned to the mainland.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) –
The State Health Department has confirmed another case of Hepatitis A in a State Department of Transportation employee, raising the number of confirmed cases to 135.
The Department of Health said on Monday that it is getting closer to finding out what is causing the outbreak.
“The indications are that whatever it is, this is not a fresh product its probably something that keeps for a while so frozen or dried or something,” state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said.
All Department of Transportation employees, who may have been exposed, have been contacted are being offered vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control said three experts from epidemiology, infectious diseases and clinical care are in Hawaii assisting the DOH with the investigation.
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