Hepatitis A outbreak declared in L.A. County. What you need to know

Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-05/hepatitis-a-outbreak-declared-in-la-county

Summary

Los Angeles County declared a Hepatitis A outbreak due to a rise in cases, posing a threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection spread via the fecal-oral route, causing symptoms like fever, fatigue, and jaundice. Those at higher risk include the homeless, drug users, men who have sex with men, and individuals with liver disease. Contributing factors to the outbreak may involve increased homelessness, decreased vaccination rates, and possible food contamination. Vaccination and good hygiene are crucial for prevention. L.A. County is combating the outbreak through increased vaccinations, public education, contact tracing, and enhanced sanitation.

Full News Report

## Hepatitis A Outbreak Declared in L.A. County: What You Need to Know Los Angeles County has officially **declared** a community-wide **outbreak** of **hepatitis** A, a highly contagious viral disease that poses a significant public health threat. The announcement, made by the L.A. County Department of Public Health this week, comes amid a growing number of confirmed cases and concerns about the potential for further spread. This **outbreak** highlights the vulnerability of certain populations and underscores the importance of preventative measures. But **what** is **hepatitis** A, **who** is at risk, **when** did this start, **where** is it occurring, **why** is it happening, and **how** can you protect yourself? This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the **hepatitis** A **outbreak** in **L.A. County**, offering crucial information to help you understand the risks and stay safe. ### Understanding the Hepatitis A Outbreak in Los Angeles County The current **hepatitis** A **outbreak** in **L.A. County** is concerning due to its potential to impact vulnerable populations and strain public health resources. While sporadic cases of **hepatitis** A are common, the rapid increase in confirmed cases exceeding the expected baseline triggered the **declared** **outbreak**. The Department of Public Health is working diligently to trace the source of the **outbreak**, identify affected individuals, and implement strategies to curb further transmission. ### What is Hepatitis A? **Hepatitis** A is a liver infection caused by the **hepatitis** A virus (HAV). It is a highly contagious disease, primarily spread through the fecal-oral route. This means the virus is transmitted when someone unknowingly ingests fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts, from an infected person. This can happen through contaminated food or water, close personal contact, or poor hygiene practices. Unlike **hepatitis** B and C, **hepatitis** A typically does not cause chronic liver disease. However, it can cause significant illness and, in rare cases, liver failure or death, especially in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or compromised immune systems. Common symptoms of **hepatitis** A include: * Fever * Fatigue * Loss of appetite * Nausea * Vomiting * Abdominal pain (especially in the upper right quadrant) * Dark urine * Clay-colored stools * Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically appear two to seven weeks after infection. Some people, especially children, may not experience any symptoms at all but can still transmit the virus. ### Who is Most at Risk in the L.A. County Outbreak? While anyone can contract **hepatitis** A, certain groups are at higher risk during an **outbreak** like the one currently **declared** in **L.A. County**. These include: * **People experiencing homelessness:** Lack of access to proper sanitation and hygiene facilities increases the risk of exposure. * **People who use drugs (injection and non-injection):** Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia can facilitate transmission. * **Men who have sex with men (MSM):** Sexual contact, particularly oral-anal contact, can spread the virus. * **People with chronic liver disease:** Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions are more vulnerable to severe complications from **hepatitis** A. * **Travelers to countries with high rates of hepatitis A:** Individuals traveling to areas where **hepatitis** A is endemic are at increased risk if they are not vaccinated. * **People who have close contact with someone who has hepatitis A:** Household members and close contacts of infected individuals are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. The **L.A. County** Department of Public Health is focusing its efforts on reaching these vulnerable populations with vaccination and education campaigns. ### Why is an Outbreak Occurring Now? Factors Contributing to the Spread Several factors can contribute to **hepatitis** A **outbreaks**. In **L.A. County**, potential contributing factors may include: * **Increased Homelessness:** The ongoing homelessness crisis in Los Angeles provides a breeding ground for infectious diseases due to limited access to sanitation and hygiene. * **Decreased Vaccination Rates:** While the **hepatitis** A vaccine is highly effective, vaccination rates in some populations may be lower than ideal, leaving them vulnerable to infection. * **Foodborne Transmission:** Although less common, **hepatitis** A can be spread through contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked shellfish. Investigations are underway to rule out any foodborne sources. * **Community Spread:** Once the virus is introduced into a community, person-to-person contact can sustain the **outbreak**. ### How Can You Protect Yourself and Prevent the Spread? The most effective way to prevent **hepatitis** A is through vaccination. The **hepatitis** A vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection against the virus. Here are some other key preventative measures: * **Get Vaccinated:** The **hepatitis** A vaccine is recommended for all children starting at age one, as well as adults at high risk. Contact your doctor or local health clinic to get vaccinated. The **L.A. County** Department of Public Health often provides free or low-cost vaccinations during **outbreaks**. * **Practice Good Hygiene:** Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, before preparing food, and before eating. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. * **Avoid Sharing Personal Items:** Do not share needles, syringes, or other drug paraphernalia. Avoid sharing eating utensils, cups, or toothbrushes. * **Cook Food Thoroughly:** Cook shellfish and other foods thoroughly to kill any potential viruses or bacteria. * **Drink Safe Water:** If you are traveling to areas where water quality is questionable, drink bottled water or water that has been boiled. * **Practice Safe Sex:** Engage in safe sex practices, such as using condoms, to reduce the risk of transmission. * **Stay Informed:** Stay up-to-date on the latest information about the **outbreak** from the **L.A. County** Department of Public Health and other trusted sources. ### What is L.A. County Doing to Combat the Outbreak? The **L.A. County** Department of Public Health is actively working to control the **hepatitis** A **outbreak** through a multi-pronged approach: * **Increased Vaccination Efforts:** The department is prioritizing vaccination for high-risk populations, including those experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, and men who have sex with men. Mobile vaccination clinics are being deployed to reach these communities. * **Public Education Campaigns:** The Department is launching public awareness campaigns to educate residents about **hepatitis** A, its symptoms, and how to prevent its spread. This includes distributing educational materials, conducting community outreach events, and utilizing social media platforms. * **Contact Tracing:** Public health officials are conducting contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. These individuals are being offered vaccination and testing. * **Enhanced Sanitation:** The department is working with local organizations to improve sanitation and hygiene in areas frequented by high-risk populations. This includes providing access to handwashing stations and portable toilets. * **Collaboration with Healthcare Providers:** The department is collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure they are aware of the **outbreak** and are prepared to diagnose and treat **hepatitis** A cases. ### The Broader Context: Hepatitis A Trends and Prevention The **hepatitis** A **outbreak** in **L.A. County** is a reminder that infectious diseases remain a significant public health challenge. While the **hepatitis** A vaccine has dramatically reduced the incidence of the disease in many parts of the world, **outbreaks** can still occur, particularly in vulnerable populations. Staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your community is crucial. By understanding the risks, practicing good hygiene, and getting vaccinated, we can all contribute to preventing the spread of **hepatitis** A and protecting public health in **L.A. County** and beyond. The **declared** **outbreak** underscores the importance of continued vigilance and investment in public health infrastructure. ### Where to Find More Information For the latest updates and information about the **hepatitis** A **outbreak** in **L.A. County**, please visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website: [Insert Official L.A. County Department of Public Health Website Link Here - REPLACE THIS WITH THE REAL LINK] You can also contact your healthcare provider or call 2-1-1 for assistance. Remember, staying informed is the best way to protect yourself and your community.