Viral Hepatitis A, 2012

In 2012, 29 cases of hepatitis A (HAV) (0.5 per 100,000 population) were reported. Ten (34%) cases were residents of the metropolitan area, including seven residents of Hennepin or Ramsey Counties. Seventeen (59%) of the cases were male. Cases ranged in age from 1 to 88 years (median, 52 years). Twenty-three (79%) were white, 3 (10%) were multi-racial, 1 (3%) was Asian, and 1 (3%) was American Indian; race was unknown for 1 (3%) case. Hispanic ethnicity was reported for 4 cases (1.6 per 100,000).

A risk factor was identified for 17 (59%) of the cases, 1 of whom had known exposure to a confirmed hepatitis A case, representing missed opportunities to administer immune globulin or HAV vaccine. Of the remaining 16 cases with a risk factor identified, 5 were associated with travel. Of these 5 cases, 3 traveled to Mexico, Central, or South America. No outbreaks of hepatitis A occurred in 2012.

• For up to date information see>> Hepatitis A
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2012