CDC Viral Hepatitis Updates

MMWR: Hepatitis A Virus Outbreaks Associated with Drug Use and Homelessness — California, Kentucky, Michigan, and Utah, 2017

During 2017, California, Kentucky, Michigan, and Utah reported 1,521 hepatitis A infections, mostly among persons who reported drug use or homelessness, signaling a shift in hepatitis A epidemiology from point-source outbreaks associated with contaminated food to large community outbreaks with person-to-person transmission. Increasing vaccination among groups at risk for hepatitis A infection might halt ongoing outbreaks and prevent future outbreaks.

MMWR: Update: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for Use of Hepatitis A Vaccine for Postexposure Prophylaxis and for Preexposure Prophylaxis for International Travel

HepA vaccine is recommended for persons aged ≥12 months for PEP. Providers may also administer IG to adults aged >40 years, if indicated. The dosage of IG has been updated. Simultaneous administration of MMR and HepA vaccines is recommended for infants aged 6–11 months traveling internationally. HepA vaccine for PEP provides advantages over IG, including induction of active immunity, longer duration of protection, ease of administration, and greater acceptability and availability.

Estimating Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States, 2013‐2016

CDC strives to prevent viral hepatitis infections and eliminate disease and mortality caused by viral hepatitis. The 2.4 million adults had evidence of current infection (HCV RNA positive). This new estimate of current infection suggests a decline from the 3.5 million estimated to be infected between 2003 and 2010. However, the estimates cannot be directly compared due to a number of factors including methodological differences.

National Viral Hepatitis Progress Report

CDC strives to prevent viral hepatitis infections and eliminate disease and mortality caused by viral hepatitis. The National Viral Hepatitis Progress Report provides information on progress in the implementation of recommended interventions and the impact these interventions are having on prevention of viral hepatitis transmission, disease, and associated mortality.

Hepatitis C Online

Check out the updated Hepatitis C Online, a free, up-to-date comprehensive educational resource for healthcare providers that covers diagnosing, monitoring, and managing HCV infection. Free CME credits and CNE contact hours are available.