Each county health department received a $20,000 grant to increase vaccination outreach to populations at high-risk for contracting hepatitis A, such as the homeless and illicit drug users.
“This has been the largest person-to-person hepatitis A outbreak in Michigan’s history, with more than 780 cases,” said Eden Wells, MD, the chief medical executive for MDHHS. “Increasing vaccination outreach to high-risk populations across the state is essential to stopping the spread of hepatitis A in Michigan.”
As of March 21, health officials recorded 789 hepatitis A infections related to the outbreak, which began in August 2016. The illnesses have contributed to 635 hospitalizations and 25 deaths. Michigan’s hepatitis A outbreak is the deadliest among several other such outbreaks occurring in multiple states around the nation, according to Michigan Radio. Other states with hepatitis A outbreaks include California, Kentucky and Utah.
More articles on infection control:
Rise in Indiana hepatitis A cases linked to Kentucky outbreak
SHEA applauds funding bill for boosting national infection control efforts
Texas dental clinic may have exposed 9.5k patients to infectious diseases
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
