Health officials concerned over spread of Hepatitis A in Santa Cruz County

According to the Public Health Department of Santa Cruz County cases of acute Hepatitis A virus infections are higher than the average this past month.

Health officials say these new identified cases share one or more of the following characteristics: illicit drug use (injection and non-injection), homelessness, and/or dense living conditions.

The health department said it’s concerned because cases of Hepatitis A has been identified as serious and widespread in similar populations in other counties. Health officials said some of Santa Cruz county’s most vulnerable community members are currently at a higher risk due to shared activities and living conditions.

For more information on Hepatitis A, Click here.