Philadelphia Homelessness Major Contribution to Hepatitis A Outbreak
Spread of Hepatitis A in Philadelphia
During my reading about outbreak illnesses in Philadelphia, I found that, starting in 2017, Philadelphia had spread of Hepatitis A.
I have written some notes here.
2019 isn’t one of the good times In Philadelphia. They’ve seen 176 cases of hepatitis A. One person has died.
“We’re seeing numbers like we saw before the vaccine was really in use,” said Dana Perella, acute communicable disease program manager for Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health.
The city declared a public health emergency due to the outbreak on August 2.
Philadelphia isn’t alone. Since 2016, a rash of hepatitis A outbreaks have been springing up in at least 29 states across the country.
In Philadelphia, drugs and homelessness appear to be primary factors driving the outbreak forward. 68% of people who have been infected with the virus are reporting past drug use, according to preliminary analysis. About 26% are homeless.
“We have this population we know is at risk,” Perella said. “With individuals who are both living with drugs and individuals who are living homeless, lacking sanitation facilities, lacking handwashing facilities, is going to make this spread more quickly.
thoughts? what do you think guys?
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