Mike Giordano
News Channel 11
Jan 11, 5:27 PM EST
Students once again lining up for shots…hoping to protect themselves from the Hepatitis A virus that infected at least 15 of their Unicoi County classmates last June.
This is the second and final vaccine students must get.
“I’m glad they’re taking steps to contain it and take care of it. The health department’s been on top of it,” said parent Mary Jo Sullins.
But, local health officials are still not sure where to pinpoint the outbreak’s origin.
They say that’s common.
“Most of the time when there’s a community-wide outbreak like we have in Unicoi you never determine the root cause just because if you have 15 kids who are symptomatic, you probably have 40 or 50 other kids who also have hepatitis a who don’t have any symptoms,” said Dr. David L. Kirschke, a medical epidemiologist with the Tennessee Department of Health.

The good news, health officials say, is they don’t expect this rash of Hepatitis A to spread throughout the Tri-Cities.
After all, they say only one person has been infected in the seven months since the initial outbreak.
“So it appears the intervention was effective in preventing more cases,” said Dr. Kirschke.
Health officials now hope all 1500 people who showed up for the first shot, return for a second vaccine.
They also hope everyone will take some simple steps to protect themselves from Hepatitis A.
Good hygiene is the best way to protect yourself from getting Hepatitis A. And the best weapons for the fight–good old soap and water.
The Hahn family is relieved this once scary outbreak appears shutdown.
“We’re glad for now. Hopefully no more comes about,” said parent Donnette Hahn.
Health officials will continue giving shots through Thursday from noon until 6 p.m at the U.S. Army National Guard Armory in Erwin.
You can make an appointment by calling the Unicoi County Health Department.