Hepatitis A Outbreaks Linked to Person-to-Person Contact

What to know

In 2016, hepatitis A outbreaks began spreading across the United States through person-to-person transmission. The outbreaks peaked in 2019.

Fast Facts

  • Confirmed cases: 44,937
  • Hospitalizations: 27,461
  • Deaths: 424
  • States: 37 states (Active in IN, MD, and PA; declared over in AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, and WV)

Situation summary

Many people think hepatitis A is only connected to contaminated food and water. However, in the US, hepatitis A is more commonly spread from person to person. Since outbreak cases were first identified in 2016, 37 states have publicly reported 44,937 cases. More than half of the people who got sick were hospitalized. See where people got sick.

A doctor giving a man a shot in the arm in a doctor's office.
CDC helped contain a widespread outbreak of hepatitis A to only a couple of states.

Hepatitis A Outbreaks by State

Source of the outbreak

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is found in the stool and blood of a person who is infected. In these outbreaks, HAV spread from person to person, especially among people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness.

What you should do

If you think you’ve been exposed to hepatitis A, contact a health professional as soon as possible.

Get vaccinated

Hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to prevent HAV infection.

Practice good hand hygiene

Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water to prevent the spread of many illnesses, including hepatitis A.

About hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by HAV. It is very contagious, and people can spread the virus even before they start showing symptoms.

The virus is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. It can also live on surfaces for several months. You can also get sick by ingesting the virus. This usually happens through close personal contact with a person who is infected.

Most people who get hepatitis A don't get very sick. In some cases, the virus can cause severe illness that lasts several months. Although uncommon, hepatitis A can cause death. People who are older have a higher risk of dying from hepatitis A.

Get vaccinated

Hepatitis A is easily prevented with a safe and effective vaccine.

Symptoms

If you develop symptoms

If you develop any hepatitis A symptoms, contact your doctor.
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Content Source:
Division of Viral Hepatitis
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