Public health officials said Friday they are investigating a report of a case of Hepatitis A in a person who was recently detained at Men’s Central Jail, and they urged anyone who may have been exposed at the lockup to get vaccinated against the virus.
The county Department of Public Health recommended vaccinations for anyone who was in the Men’s Central Jail between May 13 and May 28.
“Hepatitis A is very contagious, and people can even spread the virus before they feel sick,” according to a statement from the Department of Public Health. “Since getting vaccinated against hepatitis A soon after exposure can help protect against developing the infection, Public Health and Correctional Health Services are offering hepatitis A vaccines to everyone in Men’s Central Jail who may have been exposed.”
Beginning Saturday, the county will offer free hepatitis vaccinations to anyone who was in the jail during the specified period.
Shots will be offered Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Obregon Park, 4021 E. First St., and at Ted Watkins Memorial Park, 1335 E. 103rd St. Shots will be offered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of next week at Market Street Center, 22900 Market St. in Santa Clarita.
Vaccinations are also available at Public Health walk-in clinics. Information about hours and locations is available online at publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/nurseclinic.pdf.
“The hepatitis A virus, which causes a short-term liver infection, is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected,” according to Public Health. “Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through eating contaminated food, or through close contact with a person while infectious. Symptoms of hepatitis include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine or yellow eyes/skin.”