California Is In the Midst of a Hepatitis A Outbreak
As homeless individuals flock to California cities encouraged by their attractive benefits and undocumented immigrants seek refuge in California sanctuary cities, sanitary conditions in the state have suffered. As a result, the state is in the midst of a Hepatitis A outbreak that has claimed a number of lives, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency. Hepatitis A is a serious viral infection of the liver most commonly contracted by eating food or drinking water that has become contaminated with virus containing feces of an infected person.
The California outbreak began in San Diego County almost one year ago and since then the county has documented 500 cases, including 19 deaths from the disease. Subsequently, the Hepatitis A outbreak has spread to Santa Cruz County (73 cases and one death) and Los Angeles County (10 cases). All three counties are ‘sanctuary counties’ and accommodate large homeless populations. For more information visit the California Department of Public Health Website.