HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Free vaccination clinics will be offered to prevent a hepatitis A outbreak.

There hasn't been an outbreak in Connecticut but there have been in other states. The state Department of Public Health said Monday there's concern that a similar outbreak could happen in Connecticut.

Health officials in Arkansas said last week that an atypical and unusually severe hepatitis A outbreak in northeastern Arkansas has infected at least 85 people. A waning outbreak in Utah has killed three people.

Hepatitis A is transmitted primarily by oral contact with fecal matter. It attacks the liver.

Proper personal hygiene and hand-washing can reduce transmission.

Health departments in Hartford and Torrington will be offering the first round of clinics this week. The schedule is online.

More clinics will be held around the state.