Published on July 24, 2026
As a family medicine doctor, I’ve witnessed firsthand how public health concerns ripple through our communities—and right now, we are facing a troubling rise in hepatitis A cases.
In recent months, Los Angeles County declared a community-wide outbreak of hepatitis A following a significant increase in reported cases and elevated virus levels detected in local wastewater. This marks a concerning trend, as the county typically records about 30 to 50 confirmed cases of hepatitis A annually. However, in 2024, 165 cases were reported—more than triple the number in 2023—and 29 cases have already been confirmed in the first five months of 2025.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a broad term used to describe inflammation of the liver, and it can be caused by various viruses. The three most common types are Hepatitis A, B, and C, each differing in mode of transmission, severity, and long-term impact. What each type is:
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Spread through fecal-oral transmission, often via contaminated food or water. It does not become chronic.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Spread through contact with infectious bodily fluids such as blood, semen, or from mother to baby at birth. It can become a long-term chronic infection, especially when contracted at a young age.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, often through sharing needles or unscreened blood transfusions. It frequently leads to chronic infection and can result in serious liver damage if left untreated.
How Contagious is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is typically spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through close personal contact with an infected person. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, Hepatitis A does not lead to chronic liver disease, but it can cause severe illness in some individuals and, in rare cases, liver failure.
Symptoms can appear anywhere from 15 to 50 days after exposure and may include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stool, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). While symptoms often resolve within a few weeks, they can last up to several months in some individuals.
The current outbreak is particularly affecting individuals experiencing homelessness, those who use illicit drugs, and communities often without consistent access to sanitation and healthcare. However, I urge all of my patients to understand that outbreaks don’t stay contained. We're now seeing it spread to individuals with no traditional risk factors.
Recent testing has detected HAV in our local wastewater systems, suggesting a broader environmental circulation of the virus. This makes community-level prevention and awareness more important than ever.
How to Protect Yourself from a Hepatitis Outbreak:
Here is what I recommend to my patients who may be worried about the outbreak:
Get Vaccinated
This is our strongest line of defense. In a areas as dynamic and densely populated as Los Angeles and Orange Counties, vaccination isn't just personal protection…it's public protection. When more individuals from Los Angeles and Orange County are vaccinated, it helps slow the spread of illness and safeguards our most vulnerable neighbors, including young children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions.
The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective and safe. It’s administered in two doses, six months apart. Children should get their first dose between 12 and 24 months, but adults who never received the vaccine can (and should) still get protected.
Vaccination is Especially Important For
- Individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Travelers to areas with high rates of hepatitis A.
- Men who have sex with men.
- People with chronic liver disease or clotting disorders.
- Anyone who simply wants to avoid infection.
Staying up to date on your immunizations has never been easier. MemorialCare offers a free Immunization Schedule to help you and your family track important vaccines, including hepatitis A, from infancy through adulthood, based on the latest CDC guidelines. Parents are especially encouraged to use this resource to stay on top of childhood vaccination milestones.
If you're not sure whether you're vaccinated, check with your provider. We can do a blood test to determine your immunity and help you start the vaccine series if needed.
Practice Good Hygiene
Given how often Southern Californians use public transit, gyms, parks, and shared restrooms, handwashing is one of the most important things you can do. Always wash your hands:
- After using any public transportation
- After using public restrooms
- Before eating street food or restaurant takeout
- After handling money or touching shared surfaces
- When soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol).
Avoid Potentially Contaminated Food or Water
Southern California is known for its incredible food scene, including food trucks and street vendors. While most operate safely, outbreaks can occur if hygiene is lacking.
- Make sure vendors have clean prep areas and handwashing access.
- Avoid food that’s been sitting out or not served hot.
- At home, be careful with leftovers and always wash products thoroughly.
- If you live in or are visiting an area with poor sanitation or boiling water advisories, stick to bottled water and avoid raw foods.
Maintain Clean Living Environments
Many Southern California residents live in multi-family or multigenerational homes, where shared kitchens and bathrooms are common. If not regularly cleaned, these areas can be hotspots for transmission.
If you work in healthcare, shelters, schools, or community programs, use EPA-approved disinfectants and wear gloves when cleaning surfaces potentially contaminated with bodily fluids.
Leading Care, Close to Home
At MemorialCare Medical Group, we’re here to make it convenient for you to get protected. Whether you need your first hepatitis A vaccine or a catch-up dose, you can schedule online, call to book an appointment, or walk in for same-day care.
As Los Angeles County continues to respond to the Hepatitis A outbreak, taking action now helps protect your household and community. Education, hygiene, and vaccination are our best tools—and I am proud to be your partner in health.
Visit MemorialCare Medical Group or call (877) 696-3622 to discuss your healthcare needs, including hepatitis A vaccination. Whether you're looking for primary care, need a test, or have questions about vaccinations, our team is here to help.
About the Author
Ai-Chau Hoang, D.O., is a board-certified family medicine physician with MemorialCare Medical Group who is dedicated to helping patients achieve their health goals through preventive care, chronic disease management, and patient education. Drawing on her experience caring for veterans and diverse patient populations across California, she takes a whole-person approach to health and empowers patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their care.