In Nashville today, health officials reported an additional 10 hepatitis A cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 26 since December 2017.

Hepatitis A Vaccine Image/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Image/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

For the first time during the outbreak, two cases have been confirmed among those experiencing homelessness.

“We are moving forward in our campaign to reach as many as possible among the at-risk population,” said Rachel Franklin, Interim Director of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness.  “The outbreak will likely last for a number of months so we will continue to respond with a long-term vaccination effort to prevent the spread of the virus.”

The Health Department has worked with the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission staff on a hepatitis A vaccine campaign to reach the homeless.  The vaccination campaign will run through July 6.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2018: DOWNTOWN LIBRARY (3RD FLOOR COMMONS) 9-NOON

615 CHURCH STREET 37219

FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2018: CALDWELL PARK 9-11AM

4905 EDMONSON PIKE 37211

MONDAY, JULY 2, 2018: CITY ROAD CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (THE QUIET ROOM) 9-11AM

701 GALLATIN ROAD S MADISON, 37115 (ENTRANCE ON NEELY’S BEND)

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018: COMMUNITY CARE FELLOWSHIP (KEN AND CAROL’S) 9-NOON

511 SOUTH 8TH STREET 37206

The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) has reserved a booth at this weekend’s PRIDE Festival in Public Square Park and nurses will offer free hepatitis A vaccine to those in the at-risk group on Saturday (10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday (Noon – 5 p.m.).

Large hepatitis A outbreaks have occurred since early 2017 in several states, including ongoing outbreaks in California, Utah, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia, spreading from person to person primarily among people who are homeless and people who use illicit drugs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those at greatest risk of exposure to hepatitis A in the current outbreaks include:

•             Illicit drug users (not just injection drug use)

•             Men who have sexual contact with men

•             Individuals experiencing homelessness