Number of Hepatitis A Cases Soar in San Diego County

Forty-two hepatitis A cases have been reported in the region since November 2016, more than four times the monthly average typically reported, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency.

"Thirty-six people were hospitalized and two died from the disease," said the County News Center. "Twenty-three cases are men, and the cases range in age from 26 to 72 years, with an average age of 42 years. Twenty-nine cases have a history of substance abuse, and 27 are homeless. Five people became ill with hepatitis A after traveling outside the United States."

The report indicated that the documented cases do not share common infection sources.

“The County is working closely with the local health community to increase outreach to vulnerable populations to raise awareness and promote hepatitis A vaccination,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer, in the County News Center report. “Those at risk are urged to talk to their health care providers and get vaccinated for hepatitis A.”

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease. While the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule, most adults have not been vaccinated and may be susceptible to the hepatitis A virus.

See the full report for additional details.

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