8 Dead In San Diego County Hepatitis A Outbreak

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – Eight people have now died from a hepatitis A outbreak in San Diego County, health officials announced Friday.

According to the County Health and Human Services Agency, 275 cases have been reported, with 194 people hospitalized during the outbreak. All eight people who have died had underlying medical conditions at the time of their death.

Public health investigators continue to evaluate cases, but most of those who have become ill are either homeless or illicit drug users, according to the agency. In fact, people who are either homeless or illicit drug users account for at least seven in 10 of the illnesses, and just over one in five also have hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A is most commonly spread person-to-person through the fecal-oral route. The disease can be prevented by getting vaccinated.

“We continue to stress that people who are at risk should get vaccinated and people need to be vigilant about washing their hands after going to the bathroom,” said county public health officer Dr. Wilma Wooten. “We are continuing to evaluate cases, but so far public health investigators have not identified any common food, drink or drug source as the contributing cause to this outbreak.”

In an effort to reach those most at risk, the county has been conducting vaccination clinics in the community and working with local agencies, including homeless outreach and faith-based community organizations, substance abuse treatment providers, hospital emergency departments, jails and probation facilities. Teams of public health nurses also continue to go into the community to offer homeless people vaccinations and education about the outbreak.

Because of the local outbreak, individuals who work closely with homeless people and illicit drug users on a frequent and ongoing basis, such as those who work or volunteer at homeless services agencies, are now recommended to get the hepatitis A vaccine, if they are not already vaccinated.

“Today is World Hepatitis Day, and anyone in San Diego County who is concerned about getting hepatitis A is encouraged to get the vaccine if they have not already gotten it,” Wooten said.

County health officials said symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and light-colored stools. Symptoms usually appear over several days and last less than two months. However, some people can be ill for as long as six months. Hepatitis A can also sometimes cause liver failure and death, according to the agency.

Hepatitis A vaccines are available at doctors’ offices and clinics, as well as at some retail pharmacies. People without medical insurance can go to a county public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, call 211 or visit www.sdiz.org.

See Also:

Fifth Person Dies In San Diego County Hepatitis A Outbreak

San Diego County Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked To Santa Cruz Strain

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