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Michigan Hepatitis A Outbreak: 802 Sick, 644 Hospitalized, 25 Dead

Public health officials and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are continuing to see an elevated number of hepatitis A cases in the state.

Since the beginning of the outbreak in August 2016, public health response has included increased healthcare awareness efforts, public notification and education, and outreach with vaccination clinics for high-risk populations. No common sources of food, beverages, or drugs have been identified as a potential source of infection. Transmission appears to be through direct person-to-person spread and illicit drug use. Those with history of injection and non-injection drug use, homelessness or transient housing, and incarceration are thought to be at greater risk in this outbreak setting. Notably, this outbreak has had a high hospitalization rate.

Michigan Hepatitis A Outbreak Cases and Deaths as of April 4, 2018

Cases Hospitalizations Deaths
802 644 (80.4%) 25 (3.1%)

Confirmed Cases Referred August 1, 2016-April 4, 2018
Meeting the MI Hepatitis A Outbreak Case Definition
County (or city) Total Cases County (or city) Total Cases
Macomb 216 Sanilac 6
City of Detroit 167 Lapeer 6
Wayne 138 Livingston 6
Oakland 108 Grand Traverse 4
St. Clair 30 Allegan 1
Ingham 24 Clare 1
Washtenaw 17 Hillsdale 1
Monroe 17 Huron 1
Genesee 13 Ionia 1
Isabella 8 Kent 1
Calhoun 7 Leelanau 1
Shiawassee 7 Lenawee 1
Eaton 5 Newaygo 1
Clinton 3 Schoolcraft 1
Gratiot 3 Van Buren 1
Saginaw 3 Other* 1
Mecosta 2

*Jackson Michigan Department of Corrections

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