HJNO Sep/Oct 2019

42 SEP / OCT 2019 I  Healthcare Journal of NEW ORLEANS column SECRETARY’S CORNER Curbing Hepatitis A While Louisiana’s reported cases do not number as high as hepatitis A cases in oth- er states experiencing outbreaks, the in- crease here is nonetheless concerning, and the Department of Health is thoroughly investigating each case. The outbreak presents an opportunity for public health officials and the health- care community to educate people about the importance of hygiene, especially in the context of a disease like hepatitis A, which is transmitted through what is known as the fecal-oral route. In Loui- siana, most of the hepatitis A cases have spiked among populations that are more likely to be exposed to unhygienic condi- tions: people experiencing homelessness or who are in transient housing, people who use drugs, and the incarcerated. We have focused our efforts to vac- cinate high-risk populations to prevent hepatitis A, but places where hygiene is an issue remain ideal places for the disease to thrive. Outside of a preventative vaccine, Louisiana Combats Spread of Hepatitis A: Study Shows Improvements to Access to Care for Patients Louisiana is in the midst of an outbreak of Hepatitis A that has grabbed public attention as reported cas- es have risen sharply in the first half of the summer. In this column, I will share im- portant information about hepatitis A. Additionally, I will share information about a recent study that shows Medicaid expansion is mak- ing a difference in the lives of Louisiana residents. frequent hand washing is the most effec- tive way to prevent exposure. Hand wash- ing is important because fecal matter can come into accidental contact with hands, which can then expose the material to the mouth. There is also an assumption that hep- atitis A can be transmitted through food preparation, such as in a restaurant where a food service worker with the disease does not practice proper hand washing. While cases like these are possible, the Louisiana Department of Health has not traced hepatitis A clusters to a restaurant or other food preparation facility. Even so, this outbreak is an opportunity to remind food service workers of the importance of frequent and proper hand washing. This education is a component of our current outreach efforts. Members of the public need to know that it takes three to six weeks for symp- toms to become apparent. That amount of time makes it difficult to trace the ex- posure directly, so we are encouraging