Free vaccinations offered to prevent hepatitis A outbreak
HARTFORD — Free vaccination clinics will be offered to prevent a hepatitis A outbreak.
There hasn't been an outbreak in Connecticut but there have been in other states. The state Department of Public Health said Monday there's concern that a similar outbreak could happen in Connecticut.
Health officials in Arkansas said last week that an atypical and unusually severe hepatitis A outbreak in northeastern Arkansas has infected at least 85 people. A waning outbreak in Utah has killed three people.
Hepatitis A is transmitted primarily by oral contact with fecal matter. It attacks the liver.
Proper personal hygiene and hand-washing can reduce transmission.
Health departments in Hartford and Torrington will be offering the first round of clinics this week. The schedule is online .
More clinics will be held around the state.
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