The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed five hepatitis A cases in the central part of the state, according to WMBD News.
The cases, which occurred in November, bring the state's total number of reported hepatitis A infections to 69 for 2018. Illinois usually sees about 70 cases annually.
"These recent cases are a reminder that states across the country, including states bordering Illinois, have been seeing hepatitis A outbreaks," IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, MD, told WMBD News. "We encourage those at highest risk for infection, including men who have sex with men, homeless individuals, and those who use drugs, to get vaccinated against hepatitis A."