FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 26, 2020

The Health District first reported the hepatitis A outbreak in June 2019. Nevada was one of more than 30 states that experienced an outbreak of hepatitis A associated with person-to-person transmission since 2016. Through case investigation and contact tracing, it was determined the first case associated with the outbreak in Clark County developed symptoms in November 2018. Over the course of the outbreak, there were 107 outbreak-related cases, 94 hospitalizations, and one death.

The outbreak in Clark County was associated with person-to-person transmission of the virus, primarily among people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and people with a history of recent incarceration.

In response to the outbreak, the Health District worked with partner agencies to administer hepatitis A vaccinations. Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease. More than 7,000 hepatitis A vaccinations were administered by the Health District and providers in the community to adults age 18 and older. The Health District’s vaccination efforts focused on high-risk individuals, including people living in homeless encampments and shelters and people being treated for substance use disorder.

The Health District also presented information and distributed resources to organizations and partners who provided services to at-risk populations as part of the community-wide response to end the hepatitis A outbreak.

Archived information on the outbreak and response is available on the Health District website at  www.snhd.info/hep-a-control.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.