Public health officials have declared a statewide hepatitis outbreak.

What began as hepatitis A cases in Aiken County has now spread to other parts of South Carolina.

Hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver.

It comes in many forms, including hepatitis A, B and C. As a result, individuals with chronic liver disease, like cirrhosis, are at increased risk of complications if infected and should be vaccinated against the virus-borne infection.

It is transmitted person-to-person through consumption of contaminated food or water, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Antibodies produced in response to hepatitis A infection last for life and protect against reinfection.

Infection usually results in sickness in up to 6 weeks.

Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and yellowing of the eyes and skin.

Symptoms usually resolve within 2 months.

Since Nov. 1, the state has recorded 86 reported cases, more than 4 times what state officials normally expect to see.

State Epidemiologist Linda Bell said the Department of Health and Environmental Control is offering no-cost vaccines to groups identified as high risk – drug users, the homeless, formerly incarcerated and sexually active gay men.