CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper released a statement on Thursday saying state officials are helping provide resources to the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department in light of the hepatitis A outbreak.
Carper also said he has requested the health department develop a plan of action to inform the public of the dangers of hepatitis A. According to the release, he met with state Chief Health Officer Dr. Rahul Gupta about the matter on Tuesday.
“The State is now providing critical resources to the Health Department as requested,” Carper said. “We are facing a very serious matter that I believe needs immediate attention. I am grateful Dr. Gupta and his office are willing to step in and assist us. They are knowledgeable about the epidemic and the precautions that need to be taken.”
The health department has addressed more than 70 acute cases of hepatitis A in Kanawha and Putnam counties.