Viral Hepatitis A, 2013

In 2013, 32 cases of hepatitis A (HAV) (0.6 per 100,000 population) were reported. Seventeen (53%) cases were residents of the metropolitan area, including 12 residents of Hennepin or Ramsey Counties. Seventeen cases were male. Cases ranged in age from 11 to 80 years (median, 43 years). Race was known for 27 cases; of those 25 were white, 1 was Asian, and 1 was black. Hispanic ethnicity was reported for 5 cases (1.9 per 100,000).

A risk factor was identified for 11 (34%) of the cases, 2 of whom had known exposure to a confirmed hepatitis A case, representing missed opportunities to administer immune globulin or HAV vaccine. Of the remaining 9 cases with a risk factor identified, all were associated with travel. Of these, 8 traveled to Mexico, Central, or South America. No outbreaks of hepatitis A occurred in 2013.

• For up to date information see>> Hepatitis A
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2013