Renaissance Festival in Michigan Confirms Hepatitis A Case

The Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) reported a visitor to the Michigan Renaissance Festival on September 1, 2018, has been confirmed with Hepatitis A virus.

Because of this hepatitis A exposure, the OCHD is asking anyone who attended and worked at the festival on either September 1 and 2 to get a hepatitis A vaccination, if they have not been vaccinated.

“Vaccination can prevent the disease if given within 14 days after potential exposure,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, a health officer for the Health Division, said in a press release.

“If you have attended the Michigan Renaissance Festival during these dates and have not been vaccinated for hepatitis A or have a sudden onset of any symptoms, contact your doctor.”

“We are still experiencing a serious, ongoing hepatitis A outbreak both locally and statewide. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months,” said Stafford.

Vaccines are available through some healthcare providers and many pharmacies, and they also are available at both Health Division offices.

The health division reported, "No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. A discounted/sliding fee schedule is available. Everyone will be assessed for eligibility for free vaccine through the adult vaccine program."

Michigan has been combating a hepatitis A outbreak since 2017. As of September 5, 2018, 886 cases have been reported, and 28 deaths, which is a 3.2 percent fatality rate.

Additionally, Michigan’s southern neighbor, Illinois, launched a hepatitis A vaccination program on September 7, 2018. 

Currently, the states of Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia are reporting widespread hepatitis A outbreaks.

According to the CDC, hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable, communicable disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

The hepatitis A vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart.

Most pharmacies in the USA offer hepatitis vaccines. To request a vaccination appointment, please visit this page.

The CDC Vaccine Price List displays current HAV vaccine contract prices and general information.   

And, vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.