COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The state of Michigan is still in the midst of a serious Hepatitis A outbreak.
As of March 14, there were 783 cases reported, which has resulted in 25 deaths and 632 hospitalizations.
One case has been reported in Hillsdale County but none so far in Branch or St. Joseph Counties.
While the outbreak has not affected the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, Health Officer Rebecca Burns told the Board of Health Thursday that the agency has gotten a $20,000 grant from the state to help with vaccinating those who are considered to be at the highest risk, such as the homeless, those who are incarcerated, drug users and men who have sex with other men.
Burns reported that their staff in St. Joseph County is working with the St. Joseph County Jail to do a vaccination clinic there. She added they are reaching out to shelters, homeless sites, and to community partners in order to encourage vaccinations.
