The Mississippi State Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections in Mississippi. Since April 2019, there has been marked and sustained transmission of hepatitis A in the state. This recent sharp increase follows a national trend of hepatitis A spread, as well as recent increases in neighboring states.

The outbreak in Mississippi is mainly affecting certain high-risk groups:

• People reporting drug use (IV and non-IV drugs)
• People who are currently or were recently in jail or prison
• People with unstable housing, or who are homeless
• Men who have sex with men
• People who have been in close contact with someone infected with hepatitis A

The Mississippi State Department of health strongly recommends that people in these high-risk groups be vaccinated against hepatitis A.

• Advisory: 2019 Hepatitis A Outbreak in Mississippi

Mississippi snapshot as of February 26, 2020

Outbreak Cases

187

Since April 1, 2019

% Hospitalized

69%

Deaths

0

Case Statistics

• Age range: 2–90 years of age (median age: 36 years)
• Male: 114 (61%); Female: 73 (39%)
• Recreational drug use: 136 (74%)
• Men who have sex with men (MSM): 3 (3%)
• Homeless: 36 (20%)
• Incarcerated/Recently Incarcerated: 4 (4%)

 

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral disease of the liver transmitted by close personal contact, including sexual contact, or consumption of food or water contaminated by an infected person. Hepatitis A causes fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea and jaundice for up to two months of infection. Vaccination is the best protection against hepatitis A infection.

How is Hepatitis A Spread?

Hepatitis A infection spreads from an infected person to other by personal contact or contact with objects or food they handle:

• Ingestion of the virus through close personal contact with an infected person, such caring for someone who has hepatitis A or living in the same household as someone who is infected
• Consuming food or drink that is contaminated with feces of an infected person
• Handling objects or sharing objects that are contaminated with the feces of an infected person

Hepatitis A Prevention

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A virus infection. Hepatitis A vaccination is strongly recommended for persons at higher risk in the current outbreak:

• People reporting drug use (IV and non-IV drugs)
• People who are currently or were recently in jail or prison
• People with unstable housing or homeless
• Men who have sex with men
• People who have been in close contact with someone infected with hepatitis A

In addition, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also recommends routine hepatitis A vaccination for the following people:

• All children at age 1 year
• Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common
• People with direct contact with others who have hepatitis A
• Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common
• People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
• People with clotting-factor disorders
• Any person wishing to be protected against hepatitis A

Getting Vaccinated

Hepatitis A vaccine can be obtained through your healthcare provider or pharmacist. If you are uninsured or underinsured, vaccination is available through any county health department.

• County health department locations

More Information

• Hepatitis A information from the CDC