TUSCON, Ariz. -- Cochise county has vaccinated more than 900 people in an effort to stop the Hepatitis outbreak earlier this year.
In March, county officials say that nine people had been diagnosed with Hepatitis A. They are holding walk in clinics at four locations, Douglas, Sierra Vista, Benson and Willcox, and one at the VFW in Sierra Vista.
The clinic is sponsored by Cochise Health & Social Services. Today's clinic also included Fry Fire Department and the American Red Cross.
“These efforts have provided several hundred people with Hepatitis A immunity, meaning they will not contract or spread the disease,” said Health Director Carrie Langley. “Our health staff are having a positive impact on the mitigation of Hepatitis A and its impact on our local communities.”
The next scheduled clinic is for May 31st at Sierra Vista, 4115 E. Foothills Drive, at 2 p.m. The other two are scheduled for next week, you can find more details here.
County officials say that symptoms may include abrupt onset of fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, usually followed by jaundice within a few days.
Those with an increased risk include:
- Persons experiencing homelessness
- Persons who use drugs (injection and non-injection drugs)
- Persons with direct contact with individuals infected with Hepatitis A
- Individuals who are incarcerated, or previously incarcerated within the past 6 months
