LA County Public Health Investigating a Case of Reported Hepatitis A at Local Jail

AMTV/LOS ANGELES, Jun 2 – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is currently investigating a report of a person who had hepatitis A infection while detained at Men’s Central Jail (441 Bauchet St, Los Angeles, CA 90012). Hepatitis A is very contagious, and people can even spread the virus before they feel sick. Since getting vaccinated against hepatitis A soon after exposure can help protect against developing the infection, Public Health and Correctional Health Services are offering hepatitis A vaccines to everyone in Men’s Central Jail who may have been exposed.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is also offering free vaccinations against hepatitis A to anyone who was released after being detained in Men’s Central Jail during the exposure period, May 13 to May 28, 2023.

The hepatitis A virus, which causes a short-term liver infection, is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through eating contaminated food, or through close contact with a person while infectious. Symptoms of hepatitis include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine or yellow eyes/skin.

Public Health recommends anyone detained in Men’s Central Jail during the exposure period and who later develop symptoms of hepatitis seek medical care. Some people with severe symptoms will need medical care in a hospital. With no specific antiviral therapy for hepatitis A, vaccination is the best way to prevent disease.

Starting Saturday, June 3, Public Health is offering hepatitis A vaccine FOR FREE to anyone who was in Men’s Central Jail between May 13 to May 28, 2023 at the following locations:

MARKET STREET CENTER
22900 Market St.
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
833-540-0473
(SITE UNAVAILABLE AFTER JUNE 11)
Thurs, Fri, Sun, 12PM – 7PM

OBREGON PARK
4021 E. 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90063
833-540-0473
Wed-Sun, 11AM – 6PM

TED WATKINS MEMORIAL PARK
1335 E. 103rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90002
833-540-0473
Wed – Sun, 11AM – 6PM

Individuals can also get vaccinated at Public Health walk-in clinics. For locations and hours, visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/NurseClinic.pdf

Individuals with questions about hepatitis A or how to obtain hepatitis A vaccine can also call Public Health at (213) 288-8251 between Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM.

By: Sandra Tung