Hepatitis A update and recommendations
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreak in Southeast Michigan (Detroit City, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties) continues and now includes 509 confirmed cases (age 20-87) resulting in 20 deaths.
The majority of patients in this outbreak have risk factors of homelessness, incarceration and/or substance use; men who have sex with men are also at increased risk. Health care workers have been infected with hepatitis A as part of this outbreak. In addition, a large number of patrons may have been exposed to hepatitis A at an Ann Arbor restaurant.
Updated information about the ongoing outbreak can be found by clicking here.
Due to possible occupational risk for hepatitis A virus exposure, Michigan Medicine is strongly recommending hepatitis A vaccination for all health care workers with direct patient contact who have not previously been vaccinated with two doses of hepatitis A vaccine or had prior history of hepatitis A infection.
Vaccination is especially recommended for the following groups:
- Adult emergency department health care workers with direct patient contact
- Environmental Services workers
- Health care workers caring for patients with confirmed hepatitis A
- Health care workers with chronic liver disease or other medical conditions requiring vaccination. Click here for details.
- Public safety officers
- Food handlers
Please note that the hepatitis B vaccine does not provide protection against hepatitis A.
You can get your vaccine in University Hospital South F4385 during the following times:
- Tuesday, Nov. 21 and Wednesday, Nov. 22: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 27 – Friday, Dec. 1: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Please also see this document for infection prevention recommendations for caring for patients with hepatitis A in the health care environment.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Infection Prevention & Epidemiology at 734-936-6355 or page 30032.
