Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A Outbreak Situation Update

Last updated: 3/4/19

Homelessness has been added as an indication for Hepatitis A vaccine. The 2019 Immunization Schedule published by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices includes this new risk factor.

California was part of a multi-state hepatitis A outbreak that began as early as March 2017 and occurred primarily among persons who use injection and non-injection drugs, and/or persons experiencing homelessness. While there has been a significant slowdown in reported hepatitis cases across California, Los Angeles County experienced three cases in late 2018. Alameda County does not have reported outbreak associated cases at this time. The vigilance and actions of providers and partners is critical to prevent a hepatitis A outbreak in our jurisdiction. We encourage all medical providers to please continue to:

BE AWARE of hepatitis A symptoms
ASK about hepatitis A risk factors
VACCINATE all individuals in risk groups for hepatitis A disease
REPORT all suspected and confirmed hepatitis A cases immediately to the Public Health Department

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable contagious disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It causes acute inflammation of the liver (hepatitis means inflamed liver) and does not become a chronic condition unlike other Hepatitis infections such as B, C or D. After an individual is infected with Hepatitis A they cannot catch it again as the body develops antibodies to protect against future exposures.

Signs and symptoms may include:

Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Clay-colored bowel movements
Joint pain
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)

How is Hepatitis A spread?

The hepatitis A virus is usually spread by putting something in your mouth that is contaminated by the stool (poop) of another person who is infected with hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A is contracted through:

household contact with an infected person
sexual contact with an infected person
eating or drinking contaminated food or water
sharing eating utensils that are contaminated
touching contaminated surfaces and then placing your hands near or in the mouth

Who is at risk for Hepatitis A infection: 2-dose vaccine series

Administer hepatitis A vaccine to any person exposed to a case of hepatitis A (household/sexual contact) and continue to vaccinate all persons in the following risk groups:

Persons with chronic liver disease
Men who have sex with men
Injection or non-injection drug use
Persons currently experiencing homelessness
Persons traveling to or working in countries where hepatitis A is common

What can I do to protect myself?

Immunization is the best protection

It is recommended that children 12 months through 18 years of age be given the two dose vaccine series. A single dose vaccine is effective protection for most healthy adults and is especially recommended for those travelling to an area where Hepatitis A is endemic.

Practice good hand hygiene

Because so many cases of hepatitis A are due to close contact with an infected person, you should always practice good personal hygiene. The simple act of washing your hands can protect you against Hepatitis A and other diseases.

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to Hepatitis A?

If you believe you were exposed to Hepatitis A contact your health care provider or local health department. If you were recently exposed to Hepatitis A virus and have not been vaccinated against it, an injection of Hepatitis A vaccine may be recommended and needs to be given within first two weeks after exposure to be effective. Consult with your health care provider to collaborate on making the best decision for you and your family.

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