CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -New Hampshire health officials say the state has seen a dramatic increase in cases of Hepatitis A, a virus that causes liver disease.

The Department of Health and Human Services says that in a typical year New Hampshire sees between 15 and 20 cases. So far this year there have been 48 confirmed cases.

Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen on Thursday is expected to discuss measures the state has taken to deal with the increase and what people can do to avoid the illness.

In May, state officials said drug abuse was helping fuel the increase and urged that drug users be vaccinated.

Last year, the state set up clinics and vaccinated about 2,500 people after they were possibly exposed to hepatitis A at a Taco Bell restaurant in Derry.