Hepatitis A – Getty Images
The Los Angeles Department of Public Health is investigating a recent hepatitis A outbreak.
Officials say five people experiencing homelessness have been infected with hepatitis A since mid-March, raising concerns because it is highly contagious.
Hepatitis A affects the liver and is transmitted from person to person, but many people do not know they have the virus. Medical personnel can only diagnose the infection through a person’s blood or stool.
Public Health says people who are unhoused are at higher risk of becoming infected because they may not have access to hand-washing or toilet facilities.
Public Health is offering free hepatitis A vaccines to people experiencing homelessness in camps and temporary housing who are at risk of potential exposure. The hepatitis A vaccine is usually a two-dose vaccine series that is safe and highly effective in preventing infection.
Although the risk to the public is currently low, Public Health recommends residents take the following actions to prevent the spread of the disease:
- Check to see if you have been vaccinated against hepatitis A. If you haven’t already, ask your health care provider if you need to be vaccinated. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is vaccination.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food and after using the restroom.
Hepatitis A can range from mild symptoms lasting a few weeks to severe symptoms lasting several months. Symptoms of hepatitis include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dark urine or yellow eyes or skin. Although rare, hepatitis A can kill some people.
