Hepatitis A Outbreak

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is investigating an increase in hepatitis A cases in north Alabama. This outbreak may have spread to surrounding counties. Persons at highest risk for hepatitis A include users of illegal substances, homeless persons, men with same sex partners, and close contacts. Other persons also may become infected with the hepatitis A virus. There is an effective vaccine to reduce the risk of developing hepatitis A. 

ADPH News Releases

• News Release: Northeast Alabama hepatitis A virus outbreak continues to grow, and people should get vaccinated (March 19, 2019)
• News Release: Hepatitis A Virus identified in a food handler in Montgomery (February 11, 2019)
• News Release: Hepatitis A virus identified in a food handler in Montgomery (February 8, 2019)
• News Release: Hepatitis A outbreak under investigation in North Alabama (December 26, 2018)

CDC HAN Messages

• Update: Widespread Outbreaks of Hepatitis A among People Who Use Drugs and People Experiencing Homelessness across the United States (March 25, 2019)
• Outbreak of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Infections Among Persons Who Use Drugs and Persons Experiencing Homelessness (June 11, 2018)

Hepatitis A is a contagious, vaccine-preventable liver infection that is spread in the feces of infected people. View the following documents for more information:

• Hepatitis A Outbreak Report
• Hepatitis A Fact Sheet (Hoja Informativa Sobre La Hepatitis A)
• Hepatitis A Flyer (Folleto De La Hepatitis A)
• Hepatitis A Poster (Póster De La Hepatitis A)
• Hepatitis A Family Friendly Flyer (Folleto De La Hepatitis A Ideal Para Familias)

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Symptoms of Hepatitis A usually occur 28 days after getting the virus, and may include:

• Fever
• Dark Pee
• Feeling tired
• Pale Poop
• Decreased Appetite
• Joint Pain
• Nausea and/or Vomiting
• Yellowing of Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)
• Stomach Pain or Discomfort

To reduce the risk of hepatitis A transmission, ask your health care provider about the hepatitis A vaccination. Always wash your hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing any meals.

Medical providers can visit the Health Alert Network for more information. For Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for medical providers, please see the CDC's FAQ.

For more information, please contact the Alabama Department of Public Health Immunization Branch at 1-800-469-4599.

Resources for the Public

• Hepatitis A Disease
• Adult Immunization Providers
• CDC Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for the Public
• CDC Hepatitis A Fact Sheet

Page last updated: April 11, 2019