Status: Active
Date issued: 22 May 2020
Issued by: Dr Angie Bone, Deputy Chief Health Officer (Environment), Victoria
Issued to: Health professionals, drug and alcohol and homelessness service providers.
Key messages
- There has been an outbreak of hepatitis A among people who use drugs (primarily but not exclusively by injection), as well as people experiencing homelessness in Victoria. As of 6 May 2020, there have been 56 confirmed cases and 6 possible cases of hepatitis A associated with this outbreak since July 2019.
- A free single-dose hepatitis A vaccination is available for people who use drugs or are experiencing homelessness until 31 August 2020.
- Vaccination is available at GP clinics providing specialised services to people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness as well as via a mobile outreach service.
- Consider hepatitis A infection in patients presenting with a compatible illness in these risk groups and take blood for serology (IgM).
- Notify all suspected cases of acute viral hepatitis without waiting for serology results to the Department by calling 1300 651 160.
Read the full advisory: Hepatitis A outbreak
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne