By KRISTI L. NELSON, nelsonk@knews.com
August 4, 2005
Health officials have confirmed two new cases of hepatitis A in the region: one in Campbell County, where 15 other cases have been confirmed, and the other in Cocke County.
Counting a case in Scott County, 18 cases have now been confirmed in what health officials last week labeled an “outbreak.”
The Cocke County case was the first in that area. During interviews, however, health officials tentatively tied the Cocke County case to some others in Campbell County, said Sandy Halford, registered nurse in communicable disease control for East Tennessee Regional Health Office. Because of this, Halford added, “we’re not concerned that we’re seeing a new outbreak in Cocke County.”

Both new cases were reported by hospitals and were confirmed late Friday. Halford said health officials have interviewed the people involved and given immune serum globulin shots to others who might have been in contact with them. The IsG shots provide around three months of protection if given within 14 days of exposure.
Meanwhile, health officials continue to encourage all parents of Campbell County children ages 2-5 to get their children vaccinated at the health department, since young children often don’t show symptoms of hepatitis A but can still infect others. The vaccination offers lifelong protection from hepatitis A, Halford said.
In addition to vaccinating children and workers at seven county day-care centers last week, Campbell County Health Department staff gave about 476 shots to children between Friday and Tuesday, Halford said. Parents can take their 2- to 5-year-olds to the health department in Jacksboro for vaccinations all this week. The shots are free, and no appointments are needed.
The health department also will give free vaccinations at the Jellico Public Library, 104 N. Main St., 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5.
“It’s such a long drive from Jellico to come to the health department in Jacksboro,” Halford said. “We’re really enjoining all Campbell County parents to bring their children ages 2-5” for vaccinations this week.
Halford said health officials continue to remind doctors to be alert for hepatitis A symptoms, and citizens to practice good hygiene, particularly thorough hand-washing.
For information on the vaccinations, call 423-562-8351.
Kristi L. Nelson is health writer for the News Sentinel. She may be reached at 865-342-6434.