The Kentucky Department for Public Health has declared an outbreak of acute hepatitis A with cases in multiple counties in Kentucky. In total, 31 cases of the illness have been reported throughout Kentucky in 2017, a 50 percent increase above the average of 20 cases per year reported over the past 10 years. Jefferson County has had 19 confirmed cases, most of which have occurred since August. Cases have been reported in Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Anderson, Mason, Christian, Madison, Fayette, McCracken, Hopkins, and Leslie counties. Drug use and homelessness has been identified as common risk factors among 12 of the cases in Jefferson County. The Department of Public Health reminds citizens that hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable illness, and all children aged 1 to 18 years old are recommended to get the vaccine.