On May 5, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health declared a hepatitis A outbreak. The number of reported cases tripled from 2023 to 2024, and the 29 cases reported in the first three months of 2025 are twice the number reported during the same period last year. Notably, most of the cases reported this year were in people without known risk factors for hepatitis A infection, such as international travel and experiencing homelessness. Health officials encouraged residents to check their vaccination status and wash their hands regularly. Many social media users shared information about the virus and tips to stay safe and promoted hepatitis A vaccination. Others downplayed the outbreak, blamed migrant and homeless populations, and accused health officials and the media of fearmongering. Several commenters claimed without evidence that vaccines caused the outbreak, that the outbreak is a plot to make people get vaccinated, and speculated that either COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccines have weakened people’s immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease.
Recommendation
The ongoing hepatitis A outbreak in Los Angeles County underscores the importance of vaccination to prevent disease spread. Communicators may explain that hepatitis A can affect anyone who is not vaccinated and that vaccination protects children and other vulnerable groups from the potentially serious liver infection. Messaging may emphasize how the virus spreads, who is most at risk, and how to prevent infection through vaccination and good hygiene practices.
