Hepatitis A Case Reported at Local Hospital

A person at the San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA).

The HHSA said the individual may have exposed others to the virus. Some people who were at the hospital between April 5-25 have been notified about the exposure.

Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A appear two to seven weeks after exposure. Symptoms include mild fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, light color stools, pain in the upper right abdomen, and yellowness to the eyes or skin, according to HHSA.

Illness from Hepatitis A can last anywhere from two to four weeks.

β€œThe risk is low, but anyone who was at the psychiatric hospital who was notified about the exposure should be aware of the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A,” said Eric McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., County Deputy Public Health Officer. β€œAnyone who has been immunized with Hepatitis A vaccine or previously had the disease is considered protected from the virus."

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed and has not been vaccinated can visit the Public Health Services Clinic Complex for a vaccination.

Contact Us