Dutchess Public Health Advisory
Increase in Hepatitis A in
Transient Substance Use Population
November 22, 2019 – 2:30PM
Please Distribute to School Nurses, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Planning, Primary Care,
Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, and Infection Control.
Background:
Dutchess County has confirmed four (4) recent cases of acute Hepatitis A infection in transient
(homeless) substance users with no other confirmed exposure or risk. This follows a similar trend seen nationally and in New York State since 2017.
Hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to prevent infection and it should be offered regularly to
individuals in the highest risk category, even if they may not return for the second dose.
These include:
• People who use drugs (injection or non-injection)
• People experiencing unstable housing or homelessness
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• People who are currently or were recently incarcerated
• People with chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A may appear symptomatic. Symptoms usually occur abruptly
and can include the following:
● Fever ● Fatigue ● Loss of appetite ● Nausea ● Vomiting ● Abdominal pain
● Dark urine ● Diarrhea ● Clay-colored stool
● Joint pain ● Jaundice
Telephone reporting of Acute Hepatitis A is required. Please report any cases of Acute Hepatitis A to the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health at (845) 486-3402.
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and updates by visiting our website at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYDUTCHESS/subscriber/new
Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health
85 Civic Center Plaza – Suite 106, Poughkeepsie NY 12601
