South Carolina declare hepatitis A outbreak amid 400% surge in cases

South Carolina has declared a statewide hepatitis outbreak after cases surged four-fold.

Hepatitis A has seen a resurgence in recent years across the US. Between 2016 and 2018, there were 300 percent more cases than there had been in the previous three year period, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week. 

In South Carolina, what began as a single county outbreak has spread to 19 jurisdictions, leading to 59 hospitalizations and even killing one person. 

South Carolina is not, in fact, among the nine US states that have seen hepatitis A increases of 500 percent or more - but it does have one of the highest rates of opioid prescriptions of any US states. 

And health officials blame the rise in hepatitis A on the opioid epidemic, which has fueled both dangerous needle sharing and homelessness. 

South Carolina has declared a statewide hepatitis A outbreak as cases reach 86 across 19 counties with outbreaks, marking a four-fold increases after last years expected number

South Carolina has declared a statewide hepatitis A outbreak as cases reach 86 across 19 counties with outbreaks, marking a four-fold increases after last years expected number 

THE 2019 HEPATITIS A OUTBREAKS IN THE US 

The period from 2016 to 2018, there were nearly 300 percent more hepatitis A cases in the US than in the previous three years. 

Cases have spiked by 500 percent in nine states and Washington, DC, with some notable outbreaks making headlines.

THE ARIZONA OUTBREAK 

In May, health officials confirmed the state's outbreak had reached 200 cases. 

Arizona hasn't seen so many cases in a decade. 

The outbreak is primarily centered around Tuscon, where it has spread among the city's homeless population.

HUNDREDS OF FLORIDA STUDENTS EXPOSED TO HEPATITIS A AT PROM 

Students from at least two high schools in Spring Hill, Florida were exposed to the virus at their prom.

An employee of the venue, Silverthorn Country Club, was diagnosed in the weeks following the schools' dances.

None of the students have been diagnosed with the virus, though health officials are encouraging them to get vaccines in case. 

THE CHOCOLATE-COVERED MARSHMALLOW OUTBREAK

Modjeskas, popular chocolate- or caramel-covered marshmallows made by Bauer's Candies were recalled across the US in January. 

The recall came after an employee working in one of its facilities was diagnosed with hepatitis B. 

No reports of infections among consumers have been made.  

 

Meanwhile, in nine states - Hawaii, West Virginia,

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