28: What You Need to Know: West Virginia’s Action to the Nationwide Hepatitis A Outbreaks

Dec 11, 2019

Since 2016, 30 states have experienced hepatitis A outbreaks, primarily among individuals experiencing homelessness and/or those struggling with substance abuse. State health departments, with support from the CDC, have mounted a robust public health response, with vaccination as a cornerstone for prevention. Hear from our experts about the national perspective and on-the-ground action to stop the spread of hepatitis A—as well as challenges that remain with these complex populations.

Guests:

Cathy Slemp, MD, MPH, Commissioner and State Health Officer, West Virginia Bureau for Public Health

Neil Gupta, MD, MPH, Chief of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch in the Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Resources:

• CDC: Widespread outbreaks of hepatitis A across the United States
• ASTHOExperts blog: State Legislation Aimed at Preventing Hepatitis A Outbreaks Linked to Illicit Drug Use
• ASTHOExperts blog: Health Departments are Key to Eliminating Hepatitis in the United States