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American Liver Foundation Offers Resources and Aid to Liver Patients Affected By Hurricane Katrina

Posted on: Thursday, 8 September 2005, 18:00 CDT

NEW YORK, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- For patients with liver disease and liver transplants affected by hurricane Katrina, finding shelter and clean water are not the only concerns -- without access to life saving medications, many patients face dire consequences. In addition, residents and relief workers should also be aware that conditions in the Gulf Coast, and particularly in New Orleans, may pose an increased risk for Hepatitis A infection.

Overcrowding, contaminated water and compromised sanitation systems can increase the risk of Hepatitis A transmission. Hepatitis A is a treatable, preventable virus that is spread from person to person by putting anything in the mouth that has been contaminated with stool containing the hepatitis A virus. Compromised sanitation systems in flooded areas and crowded living quarters can spread the Hepatitis A virus. Though the CDC has not reported evidence of widespread Hepatitis A contamination in the hurricane affected region they do recommend that all individuals over two years old receive the Hepatitis A vaccine.

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) can provide health resources and aid to patients seeking treatment for liver diseases and liver transplants. For information on how to receive treatment, to be connected with liver disease resources in your area or for questions relating to hepatitis or liver disease, patients can contact the national HelpLine of the American Liver Foundation at 1-800-GO-LIVER or visit our Web site at http://www.liverfoundation.org/.

"The ALF expresses its sincerest condolences to the Gulf Coast residents and their families who are suffering because of Hurricane Katrina," said Frederick G. Thompson, President and CEO of the American Liver Foundation. "Patients with liver chronic diseases and transplants are finding their suffering compounded by the need to access medication and treatment to maintain their health. Our HelpLine can connect those affected by this storm with the health resources and treatment they need."

Hepatitis B and Emergency Responders

The CDC requires Hepatitis B immunizations for all emergency responders and persons who will be performing direct patient care or otherwise expected to have contact with bodily fluids. Because Hepatitis B is contracted only through exposure to bodily fluids, other residents of the affect region are not at an increased risk of infection from Hurricane Katrina.

Symptoms

Untreated, hepatitis A can cause an acute, flu-like illness with yellowing of the skin (jaundice), nausea and vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or diarrhea. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not become chronic (lasting more than six months). It lasts anywhere from three- to-six weeks, but can persist up to six months. The average incubation period for the virus is 28 days, with a range of 15-to-50 days, and people may transmit the virus before they themselves develop symptoms. Symptoms may take nearly a month to produce and are more severe in adults than in children, who typically don't show signs of illness.

Statistics have shown that less than 0.4 percent of all cases in the United States are fatal, most commonly in elderly people. Most patients recover with no serious long-term health problems. Anyone predisposed to liver disease or other immune deficiencies is at risk of experiencing complications due to the virus, and it is recommended that those with pre- existing conditions seek immediate medical attention.

Prevention

Even though hepatitis A is pervasive in nature, there are several ways to prevent infection from the virus. One of the most effective ways to prevent infection is by getting vaccinated. The vaccine is recommended for children over the age of two who live in communities in the US with high rates of the disease or regular outbreaks.

One of the most effective ways that people in the hurricane affected region can reduce their risk of infections is to be vigilant about good hygiene and proper sanitation. Washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating are simple, but vital ways people can protect themselves and loved ones.

Treatment

Anyone directly exposed to the virus, or displaying symptoms similar to Hepatitis A, should seek treatment from a health care provider or physician immediately. Contact the American Liver Foundation at 1-800-GO-LIVER for available treatment centers or further assistance. While there is no specific treatment once the illness develops, infected people are advised to avoid drinking alcohol until they fully recover, to avoid damaging the liver.

About the American Liver Foundation

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a leading national voluntary health agency dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of hepatitis and other liver diseases through research, education and advocacy on behalf of those at risk of, or affected by, liver disease. The ALF's programs and services are supported by a nationwide network of chapters. For additional information about hepatitis and other liver diseases, contact the ALF at 1-800 GO LIVER or visit http://www.liverfoundation.org/.

American Liver Foundation

CONTACT: Andrea Iraheta of American Liver Foundation, +1-212-668-1000,ext. 139

Web site: http://www.liverfoundation.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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