CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Health officials have had one suspected case of hepatitis A and five confirmed cases of the virus in Mecklenburg County since April.

• Five confirmed cases of hepatitis A in Mecklenburg County
• Free vaccinations are available at certain heath providers
• Symptoms of the virus could last for weeks or months

Mecklenburg County officials say this number is higher than the county’s average annual number.

The virus can be spread from person to person by not properly washing hands after using the restroom, a sexual encounter or by consuming contaminated food and drinks. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, joint pain, fever and dark urine which could last for weeks or months.

People most at risk for contracting the contagious liver disease are:

• Those who are household members, caregivers or have sexual contact with someone who is infected with hepatitis A
• Men who have sexual encounters with other men
• Those who use recreational drugs, whether injected or not
• Recent travel from countries where hepatitis A is common
• Homeless individuals who do not have easy access to handwashing facilities

To prevent spreading the virus, officials encourage the public to get the hepatitis A vaccine from a health provider’s office. It is available free of charge for at-risk residents listed above at Northwest Health Department located at 2845 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte and at Southeast Health Department located at 249 Billingsley Road in Charlotte.

To schedule an appointment, dial 704-336-6500 and walk-ins are available.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the virus has been on the rise in the U.S. since 2012.