Viral Hepatitis A, 2011

In 2011, 27 cases of hepatitis A (HAV) (0.5 per 100,000 population) were reported. Thirteen (48%) cases were residents of the metropolitan area, including 12 residents of Hennepin or Ramsey Counties. Fifteen (56%) of the cases were female. Cases ranged in age from 3 to 86 years (median, 27 years). Nine (33%) were white, 4 (15%) were Asian, 2 (7%) were black, 1 (4%) was American Indian, and 1 (4%) was multi-racial; race was unknown for 10 (37%) cases. Hispanic ethnicity was reported for 2 cases (0.8 per 100,000).

A risk factor was identified for 20 (74%) of the cases, 2 of whom had known exposure to a confirmed hepatitis A case. These persons became infected following exposure to a close contact, representing missed opportunities to administer immune globulin or HAV vaccine. Of the remaining 18 cases with a risk factor identified, 12 were associated with travel. Of these 12 cases, 2 traveled to Mexico, Central, or South America.

In 2011, there were no newly identified outbreaks of hepatitis A. Two cases were associated with an outbreak in Cottonwood County that began in 2010 and resulted in 13 total cases.

• For up to date information see>> Hepatitis A
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2011