Hep A hunting the homeless: A Tale of 3 Outbreaks

       Across the United States a serial killer has been killing our nation's most vulnerable people. This silent killer has attacked over 1200 people so far this year, sending 883 of them to the hospital and killing 41. The killer, Hepatitis A virus, began its work in the City of San Diego specifically infecting those that use injectable drugs. It spread parentally through infecting over 500 people in San Diego.   The city of San Diego soon deployed teams of first responders to administer vaccinations among the homeless population of the city and to clean the streets of homeless encampments around the city (Since Hep A is generally spread through fecal oral transmission). 
       Their interventions in San Diego may have kept more people from becoming sick with Hep A but the disease escaped and ended up also spreading to Santa Cruz and Los Angeles, infecting about 100 more. This ongoing Hep A outbreak, the worst in the United States since the vaccine became available in 1996.
       This highly virulent Hepatitis A did not just stay in California but also spread to Michigan where it is responsible for 85 cases so far and to Salt Lake City Utah where officials are still trying to get a hold on the outbreak that has sickened over 500 homeless in that city so far. 
    If you are homeless or work closely with the homeless it is recommended that you get a Hep A vaccine and make sure to wash your hands and avoid used needles.
    The CDC website provides up to date information on the state of this outbreak: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm

- Chris LeBoa