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COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
State of New York
Department of Health Services
April, 2002

Hepatitis A Outbreak Among
Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)
in Suffolk County

Cases of Hepatitis A over the past six months in Suffolk County are up substantially, prompting health officials to encourage vaccination of persons at high-risk for the viral illness.

Suffolk County typically has between 30-50 cases of Hepatitis A per year.  In the past six months, 70 cases have been reported to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.  Interviews conducted by staff indicate that at least 30% of the cases are men who have sex with men.

Health officials encourage all men who have sex with men to be vaccinated against the virus to help stem the spread of the disease.  Vaccinations are available through private physicians as well as Community Health Centers operated by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus.  Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal cramping, dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes.  Some people with Hepatitis A experience no symptoms, but can still spread the illness to others.

Hepatitis A is spread via the fecal-oral route by either person-to-person contact or ingestion of contaminated food or water.  Groups at increased risk for Hepatitis A include men who have sex with men, people traveling to developing countries, people with chronic liver disease, and drug users.

Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A.  One vaccine protects against both Hepatitis A and B, and is administered with 3 doses over a period of 6 months.  Another vaccine protects against Hepatitis A only and is administered with 2 doses over a period of 6-12 months.  It should be noted that men who have sex with men are at risk for both Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HIV infection.

For further information, contact your private physician, Community Health Center, or the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at (631) 853-3055.