Increase in Hepatitis A Virus Infections — United States, 2013–2018

Weekly / May 10, 2019 / 68(18);413–415

Monique A. Foster, MD1; Megan G. Hofmeister, MD1; Benjamin A. Kupronis, MPH1; Yulin Lin, MD1; Guo-Liang Xia, MD1; Shaoman Yin, PhD1; Eyasu Teshale, MD1 (View author affiliations)

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Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable viral infection of the liver that is primarily transmitted through consumption of microscopic amounts of feces.

What is added by this report?

During 2016–2018, reports of hepatitis A infections in the United States increased by 294% compared with 2013–2015, related to outbreaks associated with contaminated food items, among men who have sex with men, and primarily, among persons who report drug use or homelessness.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Increasing vaccination among groups at risk for hepatitis A infection might halt ongoing outbreaks and prevent future outbreaks.