Hepatitis A Outbreak Declared in Los Angeles County: What You Should Know

Photo from CDC website

By Elise Monroe

staff writer

May 7, 2025

Health officials in Los Angeles County have declared an official outbreak of Hepatitis A amid a noticeable rise in confirmed cases, raising concerns about the virus spreading beyond the typical high-risk groups. Hepatitis A, a contagious virus that causes liver inflammation, is now affecting individuals with no prior links to traditional exposure risks.

Since the beginning of 2025, nearly 30 cases have been confirmed, far exceeding the numbers usually reported over similar periods. Alarmingly, several of these infections involve people without any history of homelessness, incarceration, or drug use, which have historically been the key risk factors for the virus. This shift in transmission patterns has prompted public health authorities to expand their response efforts.

In an effort to contain the outbreak, Los Angeles County has launched a robust health initiative focused on prevention and vaccination. This includes the deployment of mobile health units, pop-up vaccination clinics, and targeted community outreach. Priority vaccination is being offered to frontline workers and individuals considered at heightened risk.

Health authorities are urging all residents to get vaccinated and maintain strict hygiene practices. Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water or through close contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, jaundice, nausea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, especially among older adults or those with pre-existing health issues the infection can result in serious liver complications.

The emergence of this outbreak comes as Los Angeles continues to face broader public health challenges, particularly those associated with housing instability and high population density.

While previous outbreaks were mostly confined to unhoused populations, this recent surge suggests a troubling expansion into wider demographics, signaling the need for increased vigilance and community-wide action.