A study in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report revealed that a targeted vaccine campaign successfully prevented a hepatitis A outbreak in a Los Angeles County jail. The jail was notified on May 30, 2023, that a 41-year-old inmate, who worked with food and had a history of homelessness and substance use, tested positive for hepatitis A. The inmate had been in jail since April 27, 2023, and had symptoms of severe abdominal pain and jaundice.
An investigation identified inmates eligible for hepatitis A vaccination through electronic health records and immunization history. Within two days, 2,766 individuals were offered the vaccine, and 1,510 (54.6%) agreed to receive it. Food handlers without immunity who declined the vaccine were reassigned from food-handling duties for their potential incubation period. No further cases were identified.
The authors highlighted the need for a quick response to hepatitis A exposure in jails to reduce transmission risk and prevent outbreaks. The swift vaccine rollout likely helped prevent an outbreak among the inmates. Enhanced surveillance, including monitoring of emergency hospital transfers for suspected acute hepatitis A, helped identify potential secondary cases or clusters.