WHO warns of hepatitis A outbreaks among gay men in Europe and the Americas

The World Health Organization reported an unusually high rate of hepatitis A infections among men who have sex with men in nations in Europe and the Americas, which traditionally record low rates of the virus.

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The WHO reported high levels of hepatitis A transmission among this specific population in 15 European nations, Chile and the United States.

“This event is of particular concern from a public health perspective because of the current limited availability of hepatitis A vaccine worldwide. In addition, several national and international lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride festivals will take place between June and September 2017,” said the WHO. “In this regard, WHO requests countries to report to WHO Regional International Health Regulations Contact points any unusual increase in the number of hepatitis A cases among men who have sex with men.”

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