Hepatitis A infection among persons experiencing homelessness and persons who use drugs

View alerts, advisories, hepatitis A vaccination resources, and download educational materials to use to respond to hepatitis A cases and outbreaks.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) ranging in severity from mild infection lasting a few weeks to severe disease lasting several months. HAV is primarily spread person-to-person through the fecal-oral transmission route. Symptoms of acute HAV infection may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or sclera), dark urine, clay-colored stool, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and malaise. Affected populations include individuals experiencing homelessness and persons who use drugs.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) works with local stakeholders to investigate and respond to hepatitis A cases and support vaccination of vulnerable populations in accordance with recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Regulations require healthcare providers and institutions in Massachusetts to report all cases of HAV infection to DPH or to local public health departments. Cases may be reported to the DPH Epidemiology Division at (617) 983-6800, which is available 24/7 or to the local board of health.

Table of Contents

Alerts and advisories

Clinical resources for hepatitis A

Educational materials

2018-2020 outbreak data summaries and alerts

Contact   for Hepatitis A infection among persons experiencing homelessness and persons who use drugs

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