State to discuss dramatic increase in Hepatitis A
July 6, 2005
Associated Press
Concord, N.H. -- The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services was cited as saying that the state has seen a dramatic increase in cases of Hepatitis A, with 48 confirmed cases so far this year, up from a usual 15 to 20 cases per year.
The story notes that Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen on Thursday is expected to discuss measures the state has taken to deal with the increase and what people can do to avoid the illness.
In May, state officials said drug abuse was helping fuel the increase and urged that drug users be vaccinated.
Last year, the state set up clinics and vaccinated about 2,500 people after they were possibly exposed to hepatitis A at a Taco Bell restaurant in Derry.
