920 cases of hepatitis A outbreak, including 30 deaths reported in Michigan
MICHIGAN State and local public health officials continue to investigate an extended hepatitis A outbreak that has affected Michigan and surrounding states. Since this outbreak began in August of 2016, Michigan has seen 920 hepatitis A cases. Although many of these outbreak cases were seen earlier in the outbreak, it is important to remain diligent in awareness around hepatitis A. That strain is not the same as the Michigan outbreak strain but has been circulating nationally in several other states. The hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective and is available at local pharmacies, through healthcare providers and at local health departments.
Philadelphia declares health emergency after Hepatitis A surge
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images(CNN) - The Philadelphia Department of Health has declared a public health emergency due to a surge in Hepatitis A, Dr. Thomas A. Farley, Health Commissioner of the City, said Thursday. Preliminary information indicates 67% of people who have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A say they have used drugs, while 26% report homelessness, according to health officials. Southern New Jersey and suburban Pennsylvania counties around Philadelphia are also reporting higher than usual numbers of Hepatitis A among the same at-risk populations, according to the city's health department. The Hepatitis A vaccine requires two doses given at least six months apart for long-lasting protection, according to the CDC. Context for the crisisThe 2017 Hepatitis A epidemic in San Diego County, California, included 592 infections, primarily among the homeless and illegal drug users.
Mississippi declares Hepatitis A outbreak, urges vaccination
A microscopic image of the Hepatitis A virus, taken by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - Mississippi health officials said the state, like others nationwide, is seeing an outbreak of contagious liver disease Hepatitis A and urging people to get vaccinated. Twenty-three cases of the disease have been confirmed in Mississippi since April, State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said in a statement Wednesday. Hepatitis A spreads through food or drink contaminated with feces of an infected person, personal and sexual contact with an infected person, and sharing objects with someone who is infected. The state Health Department has investigated all cases to identify others who have been in contact and vaccinate them, Byers said.