Hepatitis A Outbreak Prevention and Response
Minnesota is currently experiencing an outbreak of hepatitis A. The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is through vaccination.
Partners can use or adapt these resources and tools for hepatitis A outbreak prevention and response in Minnesota.
This subscription provides updates on all vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in Minnesota. By subscribing, you will receive updates about the hepatitis A outbreak in addition to other VPD information.
Outbreaks of hepatitis A have been occurring in states across the country since 2016, and they don’t appear to be slowing down.
Since May 2019, Minnesota has seen an increase of hepatitis A cases, which we have now identified as an outbreak. Minnesota's outbreak-associated cases have risk factors consistent with the national outbreaks.
People at high risk in the current outbreaks include:
- People who use injection/non-injection drugs.
- People experiencing homelessness or unstable housing.
- People who are currently or were recently incarcerated.
- Men who have sex with men (MSM).
The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is through vaccination.
As of Friday, Jan. 17
Data are preliminary and may change as reports are received.
- 72 Cases
- 56 (78%) Hospitalizations
- 0 Deaths
| Affected county (18) | Counts |
|---|---|
| Anoka | 2 |
| Beltrami | 1 |
| Blue Earth | 1 |
| Carver | 1 |
| Chisago | 1 |
| Crow Wing | 1 |
| Dakota | 3 |
| Hennepin | 33 |
| Kanabec | 5 |
| Kandiyohi | 1 |
| Mille Lacs | 4 |
| Pine | 5 |
| Ramsey | 2 |
| Scott | 2 |
| St. Louis | 4 |
| Stearns | 1 |
| Wabasha | 1 |
| Washington | 3 |
| Unknown | 1 |
Epi Curve of Outbreak Associated Cases by MMWR Week, Dec. 16, 2018 - Jan. 11, 2020
Hepatitis A vaccine doses administered to adults 19+ by week, Minnesota 2019-20*
*Data from the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC)
- Hepatitis A Vaccination Guidance for Outbreak Prevention and Response (PDF)
This guidance is meant to serve as a basic reference for health care providers vaccinating with hepatitis A vaccine for outbreak prevention and response.
- Hepatitis A Vaccine Screening Form (PDF)
Screening form to be used when vaccination for outbreak prevention and response.
- Hepatitis A Vaccination Clinic Supply List (PDF)
List of supplies needed for a hepatitis A vaccination activities.
- Vaccine Protocols
Get a hepatitis A vaccine protocol template.
- Hepatitis A VIS
Hepatitis A Vaccine Information Statement available in multiple languages from the Immunization Action Coalition.
- Hepatitis A Information for Health Professionals
Information on disease facts, clinical and vaccine information, immunization schedules, reporting, and treatment of cases and contacts.
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What to know about hepatitis A (PDF) Infographic showing the symptoms, transmission, risk populations, and treatment for hepatitis A. |
Protect yourself from hepatitis A (PDF)
Half sheet to promote vaccination during targeted outreach with high-risk populations.
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Hepatitis A outbreak in Minnesota (fillable palm card) (PDF) Fillable palm card to give out during outreach. Hepatitis A outbreak in Minnesota (palm card) (PDF) Palm card with MDH information to give out during outreach. |
Give the half sheet or palm card to patients/clients and mention these key points:
- There is a hepatitis A outbreak in Minnesota.
- Hepatitis A can make people sick for weeks or even months, but there's a vaccine that can protect you.
- Some people are at higher risk, but anyone who wants to be protected from hepatitis A can get vaccinated.
- Then offer vaccine if you have it, or refer the person to their provider or a clinic for free or low-cost vaccine if they don't have insurance.
