Okanogan County Sees Hepatitis A Outbreak Following Holiday Travel

Okanogan County Health District has seen four confirmed cases of hepatitis A, closely following holiday travel. According to district community health director, Lauri Jones, there is current outbreaks in Spokane, Seattle and Yakima has at least 22 cases.

"With the holidays, people traveling, we're lucky to only have four so far," said Jones. "Those have all been treated with the Hep A vaccine and their close personal contact."

It's heavily advised for folks to always wash their hands, especially after using the bathroom, as this helps decrease the spread of the highly contagious infection.

"It's a serious infection caused by the Hep A virus found in stool or feces. Everyone is susceptible to it," said Jones.

The virus can affect the liver's ability to function.