Thousands of concertgoers and staff at the Pine Knob Music Theater in Clarkston may have contracted hepatitis A at eight concerts in late August and early September, Oakland County health officials said Thursday.
The exposures occurred between August 26 and September 26 at the Ivy Lounge in Pine Knob. 8.
Hepatitis A causes inflammation of the liver, leading to liver failure in extreme cases, and is highly contagious. It can be spread through food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person, through close contact or sex with someone who has hepatitis A, or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth. Drug users can spread the virus by sharing needles.
People who attended the following concerts are urged to monitor symptoms and seek medical help if sick:
- August 26: Lynyrd Skynyrd
- August 29: Arctic Monkeys
- August 30: Foreigners
- September. 1: Uneasy
- September. 2: Baker and Phoenix Concert
- September. 3: Pentatonic scale
- September. 5: Rob Zombie
- September. 6: Smash the pumpkin
Those attending Jason Aldean’s September. Oakland County Medical Director Dr. Russell Foster said there is still time to protect yourself by getting the hepatitis A vaccine.
“For those who attended the Jason Aldean concert and dined at the Ivy Lounge, the window for vaccination to help prevent hepatitis A disease has passed (September 23),” he said in a statement. Hepatitis A, we encourage vaccination to prevent future exposure. “
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
Symptoms include sudden abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine and vomiting, followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Symptoms may appear two to six weeks after exposure, with the average duration being about one month. In rare cases of hepatitis A infection, those with severe illness or a compromised immune system may progress to liver failure.
In 2016, Michigan experienced the largest hepatitis A outbreak in the country. Over the next three years, at least 980 Michiganders became infected with the virus. Of those, 738, or about 80%, were hospitalized and 30 died, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
more:Three years after hepatitis A outbreak in Michigan, 30 people have died
In 2020 and 2021, the state was no longer considered to have an outbreak due to lower infection rates.
How to avoid hepatitis A?
The Oakland County Health Department recommends getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and adhering to the following practices:
- Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food. Rub your hands vigorously with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Hand washing is crucial and one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection.
- If anyone in your home or workplace is showing symptoms, clean and disinfect all surface areas, especially areas such as toilets, sinks, trash cans, door handles, and faucet handles.
- Do not prepare food if you have symptoms, and avoid preparing food for at least three days after symptoms have ended or for two weeks after the onset of clinical signs, which is usually longer.
Where can I get the Hepatitis A vaccine?
You can ask your doctor about vaccines and check with your local health department or pharmacy. The Oakland County Health Department also offers the Hepatitis A vaccine at the following locations:
- North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
- South Auckland Health Centre, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield
Contact Kristen Shamus at kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press.