Gay Men Most At Risk Of Hepatitis A: Report

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- The Hepatitis A outbreak that's hitting Southern California puts the gay and bisexual population most at risk, according to a report. In Los Angeles and San Diego counties, a total of 27 gay or bisexual men have been exposed to the disease this year, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"Gay and bisexual men generally are at high risk for hepatitis A and make up 10% of all new cases in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," read the news report.

Reports of gay men contracting the diseases have also been reported in Colorado and New York, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Statewide, more than 660 cases of Hepatitis A have been reported with San Diego County alone reporting 544 cases, according to the California Department of Public Health. More than 20 people have died.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection that is transferred from contaminated food and water or from contact with someone who is infected. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, dark urine and joint pain.

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