Adults in northern Ky. urged to get hepatitis A vaccine

BURLINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Health officials are urging adults in northern Kentucky to get hepatitis A vaccinations as the number cases in the region continues to rise.

The Northern Kentucky Health Department said in a statement that it recommends all adults in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton counties get vaccinated. Children are already required to get vaccinated.

The agency’s health director, Dr. Lynne Saddler, says the recommendation will keep families safer and help eliminate the spread of the disease.

When the outbreak in northern Kentucky was reported in August, the region had about 50 cases. The health department said that as of Nov. 29, there were more than 200 cases.

Hepatitis A is transmitted by oral contact with fecal matter. It attacks the liver and causes symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, fever and jaundice.

Federal grants aimed at improving bus services in Ky.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Transportation officials in Kentucky say bus services will be improved across the state thanks to $7 million in federal grants.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Greg Thomas says the grant money was awarded by the Federal Transit Administration for rural Kentucky transit agencies. He says the funds will be used to modernize bus fleets and facilities and enhance passenger safety for 17 organizations that serve more than half of Kentucky’s counties.

Officials say Kentucky’s grants will be used to purchase transit vehicles, onboard cameras, maintenance equipment and computer software and will assistant in facility upkeep and security.

Ky. jailer at troubled facility resigns

CATLETTSBURG, Ky. (AP) — The jailer at a troubled Kentucky detention center has resigned near the end of his term following two inmate deaths over a four-day period.

The Independent reports Boyd County Jailer Joe Burchett submitted a resignation letter Monday saying it had been an honor to serve.

County officials immediately appointed jailer-elect William Hensley, who was expected to take office on Jan. 7.

The jail has been plagued by problems for more than a year. Local prosecutors began investigating in 2017, citing issues that included inmates fighting with guards and setting fire to items, multiple escapes and several overdoses.

County officials asked Burchett to resign in January, but he declined. He was indicted the following month on a charge of malfeasance.

Last week, an inmate was found dead at the jail and on Saturday another inmate died.