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San Diego County health officials say Hepatitis A numbers increasing, particularly among homeless population
By: City News Service
Posted at 9:40 AM, May 17, 2023
and last updated 12:40 PM, May 17, 2023
SAN DIEGO (CNS) - San Diego County continued to provide vaccinations to at-risk populations as the number of cases of hepatitis A continues to increase, particularly among people experiencing homelessness.
A total of 28 cases have been recorded in the county so far this year, according to the county's most recent data. Of those, 18 are among people experiencing homelessness.
The county typically sees around two cases of the virus each month with only one case reported in the PEH population last year.
According to the county Health and Human Services Agency, no single outbreak location has been identified and no specific food or water source found. This current increase in hep A cases is a form of person-to-person transmission and not by food, the county reported.
"We're expanding ongoing efforts to reach the homeless community because this is a setting where cases could spread more quickly," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. "We need all of our partners, from shelter operators, cities and the healthcare systems, to join us in this response."
The county's Public Health Services began a vaccination and education plan in early February after reaching three cases and one death in the homeless population. Since that time, more than 4,500 vaccinations have been administered to those considered most at-risk from the disease as these efforts continue.
"Homeless individuals are more vulnerable to getting sick from the virus because of its ability to spread in areas without convenient access to bathrooms and handwashing," a statement from the county said.
Since February, 126 vaccination events have taken place. Another 18 are scheduled this month...
San Diego County health officials say Hepatitis A numbers increasing, particularly among homeless population
By: City News Service
Posted at 9:40 AM, May 17, 2023
and last updated 12:40 PM, May 17, 2023
SAN DIEGO (CNS) - San Diego County continued to provide vaccinations to at-risk populations as the number of cases of hepatitis A continues to increase, particularly among people experiencing homelessness.
A total of 28 cases have been recorded in the county so far this year, according to the county's most recent data. Of those, 18 are among people experiencing homelessness.
The county typically sees around two cases of the virus each month with only one case reported in the PEH population last year.
According to the county Health and Human Services Agency, no single outbreak location has been identified and no specific food or water source found. This current increase in hep A cases is a form of person-to-person transmission and not by food, the county reported.
"We're expanding ongoing efforts to reach the homeless community because this is a setting where cases could spread more quickly," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. "We need all of our partners, from shelter operators, cities and the healthcare systems, to join us in this response."
The county's Public Health Services began a vaccination and education plan in early February after reaching three cases and one death in the homeless population. Since that time, more than 4,500 vaccinations have been administered to those considered most at-risk from the disease as these efforts continue.
"Homeless individuals are more vulnerable to getting sick from the virus because of its ability to spread in areas without convenient access to bathrooms and handwashing," a statement from the county said.
Since February, 126 vaccination events have taken place. Another 18 are scheduled this month...