Authorities are taking steps to limit hepatitis A exposure at the Oakland County Jail in suburban Detroit after an inmate was confirmed to be infected.
The Oakland County Health Division and the sheriff's office announced Friday that they're advising those detained at the jail in Pontiac between May 8 and May 23 to contact the Health Division to determine potential exposure. A male inmate was confirmed to have hepatitis A.
In a statement, Sheriff Michael Bouchard said, "Areas where this inmate was housed have been sanitized, and we are taking great strides to contact anyone with possible exposure during this period of time. We are focused on combined efforts with the Health Division to ensure all steps are taken to protect the inmate population, our employees, and anyone else who came into contact with this individual."
Oakland health officials say hepatitis A is contagious, but can be prevented with a vaccination if given within 14 days of last exposure. Symptoms include jaundice, fever, fatigue and loss of appetite. Hepatitis A can cause liver failure.
In March, state health officials reported an elevated number of hepatitis A cases in Detroit and its suburbs, including Oakland County.
