Hepatitis A Outbreak in Los Angeles: Cases Double to 165, 7 Dead

Hepatitis A cases are surging in Los Angeles, prompting urgent warnings from public health authorities.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), 165 hepatitis A cases were confirmed in 2024, with at least 7 deaths. This figure more than doubles the total from the previous year and marks the highest case count in the past decade.

The upward trend has continued into 2025, with 29 cases confirmed in the first quarter—double the number recorded in the same period last year. As a result, health officials have officially classified hepatitis A as a “community-transmitted infectious disease.”

Virus Spreading to the General Population

Previously, most cases involved homeless individuals or people who use drugs. However, this year, many cases have been reported among the general population, raising fresh concerns about the spread.

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection transmitted through contaminated food or water, or via direct contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, diarrhea, and fatigue.

The LACDPH noted that the virus typically spreads in settings with poor hand hygiene or food safety. However, officials warned that transmission routes have expanded in recent months.

How to Prevent Infection

Health officials emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A. They also urged residents to practice good personal hygiene, especially washing hands with soap after using the bathroom, before cooking, and before eating.

For more information and updates, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website.

BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]