City of Houston - Health Dept.

HDHHS has developed enhanced initiatives to work with the private sector since they provide the majority of immunizations. The collaboration with the private sector includes:

· At least annual mailing of current immunization schedule with accelerated schedule information, with emphasis on utilizing the accelerated schedule as indicated.

· Increased continuing medical education programs for physicians and nurses on the issues of immunization coverage.

· Expanded private sector Clinic Assessment Software Application (CASA) assessment which will assist physicians in determining the coverage rates for their practices and methods of improvement.

· Increased day-care center CASA assessment with follow-up immunization clinics.

This Summer:
Watch out for Hepatitis A

Each year, 1.4 million people worldwide and 143,000 people in the United
States are infected with hepatitis A. In 1998 the HDHHS Bureau of
Epidemiology received 764 reports of hepatitis A in Houston.
As summertime gets closer, the risk for hepatitis A infection always
increases. The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious. The infection is spread
by ingesting (or placing in the mouth) food or objects contaminated with
stool (feces) from a person with hepatitis A. The symptoms of the disease
range from very mild to fatigue, anorexia, nausea and abdominal pain,
yellowing of the eyes, and darkening of the urine. Although hepatitis A does

not result in chronic infection, complete recovery can be slow, especially in adults. Up to 20 percent of the cases may have a relapse during the 15 months following the infection and it is estimated that 15 percent of patients may require hospitalization during the course of their illness.

Who is at risk for hepatitis A?

· Persons traveling to hepatitis A endemic areas such as developing countries.

· Employees and attendees of day-care centers, especially those interacting with diapered children.

· Persons who engage in high-risk sexual activity.

The best way to prevent the spread of hepatitis A is proper handwashing after using the bathroom and before handling food or drinks. You can protect your family and yourself by:

· Avoiding the use of untreated tap water for drinking, or for washing fruits or vegetables. When drinking or brushing your teeth use only bottled or boiled water (let it cool down first). City of Houston tapwater is well treated.

· Avoid eating raw shellfish (clams, oysters and mussels).

· Wear disposable gloves when handling any garments and linens soiled with feces of an infected person.

If you suspect that someone has hepatitis A, advise him/her to see a doctor immediately. Report the case to the HDHHS Bureau of Epidemiology at 713-794-9181 or to your local health authority. A hepatitis A vaccine is available. Consult your physician if you are in an occupation which may be higher risk for infection. HDHHS often provides gamma globulin to persons exposed to confirmed cases. If you have further questions please call the Bureau of Epidemiology at 713-794-918.