Public Health investigating a suspect Hepatitis A case in Imperial County

The Imperial County Public Health Department reported Saturday that the health staff is investigating a Hepatitis A case in Imperial County. The suspect, one individual, is receiving treatment at a local facility. The individual is middle-aged and homeless. They previously resided in downtown San Diego, which is seeing an outbreak of Hepatitis A that has killed up to 16 people. That individual came to Imperial County last week. The one case of Hepatitis A does not appear to have been infected in Imperial County.

Public health officials started vaccinating those in close contact with the individual to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A in the community.

Dr. Stephen Munday, County Health Officer said “As a result of the Hepatitis A outbreak in California, public health staff has been working closely with our medical community and partner agencies to monitor the situation and be ready to respond to a hepatitis A case in Imperial County. Our staff have responded quickly to the report of a suspect case and have started vaccinating individuals who may have been exposed in order to prevent spread of Hepatitis A in our community.”

Health staff has already began to offer vaccine to the homeless back in August. There have been vaccination events held in Calexico and El Centro. A third vaccination event is scheduled in Niland next week.

If you have any close contact with the homeless population, vaccines are recommended.

For additional information about Hepatitis A contact the Public Health Epidemiology Program at 442-265-1350 .