News & Events: Details
Hepatitis A Outbreak
06/03/2019
Arizona, along with many other states, is currently experiencing a statewide outbreak of hepatitis A affecting 7 counties.
There have been over 300 cases, primarily among at-risk individuals, including illicit drug users, homeless or mobile individuals, and those who have been recently incarcerated. A striking 80% of cases have been hospitalized.
The most effective way to curb this outbreak now and prevent future outbreaks is to vaccinate individuals who are at highest risk. Those groups include:
- Individuals experiencing homelessness or unstable housing;
- Individuals who use drugs;
- Individuals who have been recently incarcerated.
These vaccines can be entered into ASIIS (Arizona State Immunization Information System) to help providers and public health track when someone has already received a vaccine or if they still need to be vaccinated.
Please see the ADHS website to find out more about how to enroll into ASIIS if you do not have access: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/immunization/asiis/index.php#enrollment
For additional information on hepatitis A in Arizona, please visit azhealth.gov/HepAOutbreak.